On Tuesday evening, an incidental on the Polish-Belarusian border occurred in the area of the Border defender Station in Narewka. During the intervention, soldiers utilized smooth-bore weapons against a group of migrants who illegally crossed the border and did not respond to instructions. 1 of them, a Sudanese citizen, was injured and went to hospital. His life is not in danger.
According to the announcement of the 12th Szczecin Mechanized Division, the event occurred on Tuesday at 8:37 p.m. The soldiers of the “Podlas” Task Force, supporting the Border Guard, attempted to halt a group of migrants who illegally crossed the state border from the territory of Belarus. Foreigners did not comply with the calls and instructions of the officers. In consequence to their behavior, direct coercion, including smooth-bore weapons, was used.
As indicated, these actions were intended to guarantee the safety of soldiers and to counter the aggressive behaviour of migrants. – Soldiers acted in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations – stressed the Communication.
Sudanese citizen in infirmary injured
One of the foreigners was injured during the intervention. A Sudanese citizen was hit with a rubber bullet in his thigh. As determined, it was not a firearm shot, but a smooth-bore weapon that uses non-lethal means, including rubber ammunition, to overpower people in emergency situations.
The injured man was transported by an ambulance of the Border defender to the Hajnówka infirmary Emergency Branch. According to information provided by the service, his condition is unchangeable and the life of a man is not in danger.
Five migrants detained
In total, soldiers handed over to the Border defender 5 detainees. According to Major Błażej Łukaszewski of the Task Force “Podlasie”, foreigners crossed the border illegally, outside the designated border crossings, which constitutes a crime in accordance with Polish law.
All persons were detained for further administrative and explanatory activities. no of the intervening soldiers were injured.
Growing tension at the border
The event occurred in the context of the increasing number of incidents on the Polish-Belarusian border. For months now, the services have been reporting more and more frequent attempts by groups of migrants to enter Belarus mainly from countries in Africa and the mediate East. Many of these attempts are carried out utilizing force or support from the Belarusian services.
In parallel to the situation at the border, The Sejm passed amendments limiting the right to apply for asylum. The fresh rules aim to improve consequence to crises and to reduce the abuse of the asylum system. The government argues that changes are essential due to the scale of force on the border and the safety of the state.
