
A trial has begun in a court in Hajnowka against five activists who were carrying humanitarian aid to migrants on the border with Belarus. Before the trial, a protest of solidarity with the accused took place outside the court, which was attended by more than a hundred people from different parts of Poland.
– There is an institutional criminalization of aid here, and this is very dangerous, since the state is involved in this. Don’t put us all away! I’m 17 years old, and I don’t understand how we young people can continue living in this country. Now people are legally responsible for saving the lives of others. This creates an intimidating effect. They show us that providing assistance can be punished.
After a two-year investigation, the prosecutor’s office accused the activists of helping migrants to benefit them. The defendants plead not guilty
– I don’t regret what I did. I am proud of myself and those who are here next to me. I think I will continue to help. I do not admit my guilt. I believe that sharing what I have with my loved ones is my human duty, and it is the morally right thing to do. All my life I have tried to live honestly and according to the law, and now I stand before the court, accused of helping another person. I’ve always lived my life in such a way that I’m not ashamed of being human.
The activists are accused of facilitating the presence of illegal migrants in Poland. The defendants, according to the prosecutor’s office, helped a family from Iraq and an Egyptian citizen by giving them food, clothing, and information useful in case of detention.
The prosecutor demanded a closed trial, citing state interests. The court partially granted the petition and decided to limit the presence of the public at some stages of the case.













