Key facts
- Thousands of Poles protested in 22 cities on August 9.
- The protests were against hate crimes and violence targeting Ukrainians.
- The Committee for the Defense of Democracy organized the demonstrations.
- The Committee for the Defense of Democracy is an NGO promoting civil society and human rights.
Thousands of Poles participated in demonstrations across 22 cities on August 9 to protest an increase in hate crimes and acts of violence directed at Ukrainians. The nationwide protests were initiated and organized by the Committee for the Defense of Democracy (KOD), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting civil society and safeguarding human rights. These demonstrations underscore rising anxieties among the Polish populace concerning the safety and well-being of Ukrainian individuals residing in Poland. The KOD's involvement signals a broad-based civil society response to the reported incidents, aiming to foster solidarity and condemn xenophobic actions. The scale of the protests across multiple urban centers indicates a significant public reaction to the perceived rise in hostility towards the Ukrainian community.