Assault on Ukrainians in Poland: two suspects have been arrested, a third is wanted
An investigation is underway in Poland into the high-profile attack on a Ukrainian couple in Wrocław. The police have already arrested two men, aged 27 and 45, who are suspected of brutally beating the Ukrainian nationals. According to Polish media reports, one of the detainees has a previous criminal record and has taken part in bare-knuckle fights, whilst the other is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Preliminary reports suggest the altercation began in a ‘Żabka’ shop over a queue. Once outside, the argument escalated into an assault, during which a Ukrainian man and a Ukrainian woman were injured.
Law enforcement officers are continuing to search for the third person involved in the incident. All those involved could face up to five years’ imprisonment. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has responded to the incident. He stated that the rise in violence is linked to the fact that radical groups feel they have political support. Tusk also called on Polish President Karol Nawrocki to respond publicly to the situation and draw attention to the activities of radical groups.
“We must wage a resolute fight against this violence, as thugs, hooligans and the culture of violence are becoming increasingly brazen. This is also linked to the fact that they feel they have political backing,” emphasised the head of the Polish government.
The Prime Minister expressed his hope that the law enforcement agencies would promptly apprehend all those responsible, and that the courts would ensure fair punishment. He also stressed that attacks on Ukrainians run counter to Poland’s interests, and called on citizens to report any instances of violence or hate crimes to the police. As a reminder, UA Service HUB previously reported that a Ukrainian couple were brutally beaten in Wrocław following a dispute which, according to eyewitnesses, was accompanied by insults directed at their Ukrainian accent. The investigation is ongoing.
