German police break up Polish nationalist procession to WWII memorial site

German police intervened to stop a nationalist procession led by Polish activist Robert Bąkiewicz near a memorial site in Berlin, sparking tensions between Polish nationalists and German authorities. The event unfolded on June 16, 2026, when Bąkiewicz and his followers attempted to carry a large cross to a planned memorial commemorating Polish victims of Nazi Germany's occupation during World War II. According to reports, the group, composed of approximately 15 individuals dressed in yellow vests bearing the emblem of Bąkiewicz’s Border Defence Movement (ROG), gathered in Tiergarten park near the Reichstag. They carried banners, a wooden cross, and chanted slogans, including a rendition of the patriotic song *Rota*, based on a 1908 poem opposing German cultural influence over Poles under Prussian rule. Their chants included lines such as, “The German will not spit in our face,” reflecting a strong sense of historical grievance and national pride.

The German police, however, halted the procession, asserting that Bąkiewicz lacked proper authorization for the gathering. Officers reportedly informed the group via an interpreter that they could either hold a stationary demonstration or proceed individually to the memorial site. Instead, the group attempted to continue their march with the cross, prompting police intervention. Authorities confirmed that they used coercive measures, including handcuffing some participants, though these were later released. Bąkiewicz’s daughter, Blanka, later alleged that her father and another participant sustained serious injuries, including a possible broken rib and concussion, due to the forceful actions of the police. She and numerous supporters gathered outside the German embassy in Warsaw to protest, drawing attention from high-profile figures within Poland’s political landscape.

Among those present at the protest was Przemysław Czarnek, a deputy leader of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, who denounced the police’s actions as “brutal” and called for an immediate response from the Polish government. Similarly, Marcin Przydacz, a senior aide to President Karol Nawrocki, criticized the treatment of Polish citizens by German officers, describing it as “absolutely unacceptable.” These statements underscore the deepening divide between Polish nationalist groups and German authorities, particularly regarding historical memory and national identity.

Bąkiewicz himself has long been associated with right-wing activism in Poland. He previously organized the annual Independence March in Warsaw and served as the leader of the National Radical Camp (ONR), a far-right organization known for its nationalist and anti-immigrant rhetoric. His 2023 candidacy for the PiS parliamentary list further highlights his alignment with Poland’s conservative political forces. Despite his controversial affiliations, Bąkiewicz remains a figure of significance among Polish nationalists, whose efforts often focus on reclaiming historical narratives and resisting perceived external pressures, particularly from Western European countries.

The incident has reignited broader discussions about how historical grievances are addressed in contemporary politics. For many Polish nationalists, the commemoration of wartime suffering serves as a symbol of resistance against perceived German hegemony. At the same time, German officials emphasize the importance of maintaining public order and respecting legal procedures. This tension reflects a larger geopolitical dynamic, wherein historical memory becomes a tool for both nationalistic mobilization and international diplomacy.

As of now, the Polish Foreign Ministry has stated that a consul in Berlin is investigating the incident and working to clarify the circumstances. While the immediate fallout involves diplomatic and political repercussions, the underlying issue remains unresolved: how to reconcile differing perspectives on history while navigating the complexities of modern statehood and international relations. The situation is likely to remain a point of contention, especially given the ongoing sensitivities surrounding World War II remembrance and the role of national identity in shaping political discourse.