“In the face of the growing number of cases of impersonating Polish Army soldiers, it is important for every citizen to know how to recognize a real soldier from a disguised soldier spreading disinformation,” wrote Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk on social media. He emphasized what to look for when contacting someone impersonating a soldier.
Prime minister Donald Tusk on Thursday, during the crisis management meeting in Wrocław, he spoke about appearing on social media false information about the alleged plan to blow up flood embankments. – Nobody has any intention of blowing anything up anywhere – he stressed, asking not to share fake news.
– A man has also been found, who visits various places dressed in a uniform, pretending to be a soldier, and informs that the embankments will be blown up soon. The man drives a car with false registration numbers, so this is no longer fun, this is not amateurism, these are serious issues – Tusk said.
The Prime Minister appealed to all Poles not to believe anyone who says such things, claiming to be a representative of the authorities or services.
How to recognize a real soldier
Before noon on Thursday, the deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk posted an important message on social media appealing to counteract disinformation.
“In the face of the growing number of cases of impersonating Polish Army soldiers, it is important for every citizen to know how to recognize a real soldier from a disguised soldier spreading disinformation,” he wrote.
He pointed at key principles:
– Always follow official announcements, – Check information in official communication channels and local media, – Make sure that the information comes from reliable sources.
The deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense also presented a description of what a real soldier looks like. – Name on uniform – each soldier has a patch with his name on it. – Belonging to a unit – on the left shoulder you will find a patch with the name or abbreviation of the military unit. – Military rank – visible on the right shoulder. – Polish flags – both are located on the shoulders.
“An alarming sign? If someone claims to be a soldier, but operates alone, far from the areas where task forces operate, and is unable to present his affiliation – he may be a fraud!” – Tomczyk emphasized.
“Confirm information in several sources! Contact your family, neighbors, or other trusted people. Don't believe everything you hear and read. If you have any doubts – contact the police,” appealed the deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense. “Together we can effectively counteract disinformation and ensure the safety of our community!” – he added.
Main image source: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz