On July 20th, 2019, a Pride parade in the city of Bialystok, Poland turned violent when far-right groups clashed with LGBTQ activists. However, as the parade began, counter-protesters began to hurl insults and objects at the marchers, including rocks, bottles, and firecrackers. Some counter-protesters even attempted to break through police barriers to physically attack the parade participants.
The violence continued to escalate throughout the day, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Dozens of people were injured in the clashes, including police officers and journalists. The incident has been widely condemned by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, who called on Polish authorities to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters.The incident has sparked a broader debate in Poland about the rights of the LGBTQ community and the role of the government in protecting those rights.
While the clash in Bialystok was a disturbing and violent incident, it has also galvanized support for the LGBTQ community in Poland and around the world. Many human rights groups and individuals have spoken out against the violence and called for greater protections for LGBTQ individuals in Poland. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to fight for equality and human rights, even in the face of opposition and violence.
