the work of humanitarians and journalists at the border threatened by the extension of the state of emergency in Poland

The crisis on the border between Poland and Belarus “could last for months or even years”Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak warned Wednesday (November 17th), while thousands of migrants are still camping on the Belarusian side in an attempt to enter the European Union. Indeed, in Warsaw, the Parliament is discussing a new text, entitled “Law on the protection of borders”, which aims to perpetuate the provisional measures initiated by the state of emergency, which perpetuates the measures most detrimental to freedoms. .

Journalists in Poland are therefore likely to come up against more and more frequently the security forces who, in the border area, are currently pushing them back. “No press, no video, please go back”, the military repeat tirelessly to journalists trying to gain access. This could be repeated if thehe government, army or police decide to restrict access to the border. The journalist Monika Cheradska believes that this is a rback through the window of the state of emergency but for an unlimited period.

“Officially, the state of emergency will end on December 2, but this new law will in fact extend it.”

Monika Cheradska

to franceinfo

If the text provides that journalists will be able to travel to the border area, this will not be without restrictions, she said. “They will have to fill out a form each time, Monika Cheradska continues. The authorities will then decide if, where, and when we can pass. In addition, we will need to be accompanied by an official representative. “

This will have consequences, warns Agata Kodje, of the Ocalenie foundation, which helps refugees. “The people who cannot leave the red zone, those whom we cannot therefore reach, are those whose state of health is the most serious. These are families with children for whom it is almost impossible to go three kilometers without being spotted. If the text is passed it condemns them to probable death. “


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