On November 11th, 2016, Poland celebrated its Independence Day, but the day was marred by controversy over the Marsz Niepodleglosci (March of Independence) organized by far-right groups. The march attracted tens of thousands of participants, many of whom carried banners with slogans promoting nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment. The march began peacefully, but as it progressed, tensions rose, and there were reports of violence and hate speech. Far-right groups clashed with counter...
The match between Poland and Russia was a highly anticipated event during the Euro 2012 tournament. The two countries have a long and complicated history, with tensions between them dating back centuries. This history, coupled with the presence of violent fans on both sides, made the match a potential security risk. The authorities in Warsaw were well aware of the risks posed by the match and had taken measures to ensure the safety of fans and residents. Nearly 6,000 police officers were...
On May 13, 2024, the Pink Whale cultural center, an iconic floating venue on the Danube River in Bratislava, fell victim to a devastating act of arson. Known for its inclusive ethos and role as a hub for progressive and LGBTQ+ cultural activities, the deliberate attack has been widely perceived as an assault on open culture and the values it represents. The Pink Whale has long been a symbol of Bratislava’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity. The venue frequently hosted...
On June 16, 2019, the Polish city of Częstochowa hosted its annual Equality March (Marsz Równości), a vibrant event advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity. Held under the slogan “Love Without Borders,” the march brought together a diverse crowd of supporters, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility and equality in a deeply traditional region. A Bold Statement in a Symbolic City Częstochowa, home to the revered Jasna Góra Monastery and Poland’s Black Madonna...
The Polish-Belarus border has become a focal point of a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, drawing global attention as refugees find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. What started as a political standoff between the European Union (EU) and Belarus has evolved into a dire situation at the border, with vulnerable individuals bearing the brunt of the escalating tensions. The crisis began in 2021 when Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko, allegedly encouraged refugees, to cross into...
New York, USA, 11.2.2012. On February 11th Occupy Town Square at the West Park Presbyterian Church on west 86th St brought together activists young and old, seasoned veterans and newcomers, Marxists, anarchists, socialists, bloggers, screen-printers, dreamers, and me. Walking in I found myself unexpectedly incredibly moved by the atmosphere of camaraderie and, dare I say it, family. It felt so good to be together again in solidarity, occupying the same space, with my brothers and sisters in...
On Thursday, August 17th, 2017, police in Poland forcefully removed feminist activists who were participating in a sit-in to block the route of a far-right rally in central Warsaw. The Women’s Strike group and activists from Obywatele RP, who aimed to defend democratic principles in Poland, were attempting to prevent several dozen extremists from marching on Poland’s Armed Forces Day. The feminist protesters, many holding photos of Heather Heyer, the American woman killed during a...
On May 1st, Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood became the scene of traditional leftist May Day demonstrations, with thousands of people taking to the streets to protest against social inequality, low wages, and further social cuts. Despite the peaceful nature of the earlier rallies, the situation escalated later in the day, with clashes between protesters and police officers. The police responded with pepper spray, water cannons, and arrests, and more than 7,000 police officers were deployed...
Czech republic, Racism
V61: March of far-rights (Polish and Czech hooligans) against Roma people in Ostrava
During the summer of 2013, the Czech Republic saw a wave of far-right rallies against the Roma people. These rallies were sparked by a violent incident at a swimming pool in the town of Dubí, where a group of Roma individuals allegedly attacked a non-Roma woman who had confronted a young Roma boy for splashing water. The incident was widely reported in the media and quickly became a topic of debate in Czech society. On June 24th, 2013, anti-Roma demonstrators gathered in several cities across...
On June 2nd, 2012, Warsaw was the site of the annual Queer Parade, also known as the Equality Parade, for the rights of the LGBTQ community. The event attracted thousands of participants, including members of the LGBTQ community, allies, and supporters. The Queer Parade is an important event in Poland, where LGBTQ individuals often face discrimination and hostility. The organizers of the parade believe that every individual has the right to express their sexuality and gender identity without...
LGBTIQA+, Slovakia
V91: Protest of Matica Slovenská against the poster of the P.O. Hviezdoslav Theater
On September 6, 2023, Matica slovenská, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving Slovak heritage, organized a protest outside the P. O. Hviezdoslav Theater (DPOH) in Bratislava. The demonstration arose from outrage over a promotional poster created for the theater’s 2023/2024 season, which featured controversial imagery deemed disrespectful to Slovak national identity and cultural heritage. The Poster That Sparked the Controversy The promotional artwork depicted a group of young...
On September 9, 2021, members of Młodzieżowy Strajk Klimatyczny (Youth Climate Strike) staged an occupy protest in front of the Ministry of Climate and Environment in Warsaw. The demonstration demanded urgent government action to address the climate crisis. Protesters gathered with banners reading “Nie ma planety B” (There is no Planet B) and “Działajcie teraz!” (Act Now!), calling for an end to subsidies for fossil fuels, a clear plan to reduce emissions, and a...