Berlin Police Intervene Against Polish Activists; Kaczyński and Przydacz Demand Official Response

Polish officials are demanding a formal response after Berlin police used physical force and detained members of the “Border Defense Movement” who attempted to march to a memorial near the Reichstag on Tuesday.

Przydacz calls for political intervention

Marcin Przydacz, currently in the United States, described the German police intervention as “absolutely unacceptable.” He argued that the treatment of the Polish citizens, which he monitored via footage, warrants a high-level political reaction rather than a mere consular follow-up.

Przydacz has directly appealed to Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, insisting that the state has an obligation to support its citizens abroad, regardless of one’s personal evaluation of the activists’ specific political activities.

Kaczyński warns of a “stab in the back”

Jarosław Kaczyński linked the Berlin incident to upcoming military cooperation agreements between Poland and Germany. He claimed the situation reflects Germany’s failure to confront its imperialist past or change its attitude toward Poles, warning that Poland should expect a “stab in the back.”

The Law and Justice (PiS) leader openly criticized the Polish embassy in Berlin and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, questioning their lack of visible action during the confrontation.

Berlin police account of the incident

According to a statement from the Berlin police, approximately 15 people in high-visibility vests attempted to march toward a memorial site with a large cross and banners. Authorities had prohibited the march, instead offering the group options to assemble in a nearby park or approach the site individually.

When the group ignored these instructions, police intervened against six individuals. The department reported that officers used physical force due to resistance from the participants. All detained individuals were released after the conclusion of standard procedures.

Clashes and detention of protesters

Social media footage shows a physical struggle between officers and members of the Border Defense Movement. Among those temporarily detained and handcuffed was the organization’s leader, Robert Bąkiewicz.

Bąkiewicz had previously maintained that the group was not holding a formal assembly, but rather attempting to pray, place a cross, and leave commemorative plaques regarding historical German crimes. He had also appealed to the Polish embassy for assistance in mediating with the police.