According to estimates by the Warsaw Security Bureau, approximately 90,000 people took part in this year's Independence March organized by nationalists, said Marzena Gawkowska, deputy spokeswoman for the capital city hall.
This is more than twice as much as last year, when the attendance was estimated at 40,000 people.
Even before the start of this year's march, the organizers themselves estimated that approximately 100,000 people would take part in it. people.
Peaceful on the streets
The situation on the streets of Warsaw looks very calm. So far, the march is taking place without major incidents, said the director of the Warsaw Security Center, Jarosław Misztal, on Monday after 3 p.m.
He noted that pyrotechnics are fired occasionally, although there are fewer of them than in previous years.
“Any actions during the demonstration in the capital are only intended to ensure safety”
Many pyrotechnic materials, but also knives and telescopic batons – these are items secured by the police during the Independence March. The Warsaw Police Headquarters assured that all activities during the demonstration in the capital are only to ensure safety.
“So far, our police officers have secured many pyrotechnic materials, the carrying and use of which is currently prohibited in Warsaw by the decision of the Masovian Voivode. The items found as a result of searching some people also include knives, telescopic batons and brass knuckles,” said the press spokesman of the Warsaw Police Commander, Junior Insp. . Robert Szumiata
He said that the accusation appearing in some media that police officers are acting inappropriately when taking the above-mentioned actions against assembly participants seems to be at least misplaced – in fact, the officers carry out effective actions to eliminate people from public space who may threaten the safety of others.
“Our units include, among others, people suspected of committing a crime (including those in possession of drugs), but also minors possessing pyrotechnic materials, who, in accordance with applicable regulations, must be collected by their legal guardians,” Szumiata explained.
He emphasized that officers carry out effective activities to eliminate people who may threaten the safety of others from public spaces.
The Independence March, organized since 2011 by the Independence March Association, passes through the Poniatowski Bridge, its front approaching its destination, i.e. the field of the National Stadium. The police informed that by 14 detained 75 people
Main photo source: PAP/Marcin Obara