The Polish parliament has passed a controversial law permitting law enforcement agencies to use military weapons against illegal migrants attempting to cross the border from Belarus. This decision follows a recent surge in violent encounters between migrants and Polish border guards, including the death of a 21-year-old border guard, Sgt. Mateusz Sitek, who was killed by makeshift weapons thrown by migrants.
The new law, approved overwhelmingly by the Polish Sejm with a vote of 401 in favor and 17 against, expands the powers of soldiers, police, and border guards, allowing them to fire live rounds in cases of direct attacks on life, health, or freedom. This measure aims to strengthen Poland’s defense against what officials describe as a coordinated effort by Russia and Belarus to destabilize the region through the weaponization of migration.
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