Wrocław became an arena of heated debate after visiting Ukrainian soldiers of the Azov Brigade. Grzegorz Braun, a candidate for president of the Republic of Poland, filed a announcement to the prosecutor's office, accusing of promoting totalitarian ideology. The case is emotional not only among politicians but besides among the local community and fans.
A visit to the Azov Brigade in Wrocław – what happened?
On Monday, a gathering was held with the Ukrainian soldiers of the 12th peculiar Destiny Brigade. The event was organised by the Consulate General of Ukraine in connection with the 3rd anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The Azov Brigade is simply a unit that has shown professionalism, determination and courage in the face of Russian aggression”, stressed the Wroclaw Consulate General of Ukraine, quoted by Tu Wrocław portal.
Controversy around the Azov Brigade – allegations and protests
However, Azov's visit did not go unnoticed. Social organisations, including the Community and Memory Association, objected to the presence of the Azov Brigade in Wrocław. They emphasize that this unit is accused of referring to fascist and neo-Nazi symbolisms, as well as crimes on prisoners of war and civilians.
– There have been comments under our entries on Azov suggesting that the charges against the regiment are inspired by Russia. Nothing more wrong, due to the fact that many accusations against Azov come from Western politicians, NGOs and media – reads the Association's entry on the X portal.
There have been comments under our entries on Azov suggesting that the charges against the regiment are inspired by Russia. Nothing more wrong, due to the fact that many accusations against Azov come from Western politicians, NGOs and media. Here are any of them:
- In... pic.twitter.com/2warMjQGTI
— Community and Memory Association (@combinotaPamice) February 17, 2025
The association recalls that evidence of Nazi fascinations of members of Azov appeared, among others, in the reports of the Norwegian TV2 station and the German ZDF. In 2016, the United Nations advanced Commissioner for Human Rights accused Azov of war crimes, including sabers, unlawful detention and torture.
Grzegorz Braun, a candidate for president of the Republic of Poland, reported on the X portal that he and the Confederation of the Polish Crown had filed a announcement with the prosecutor. It concerns actions that may exhaust the signs of a crime to advance totalitarian regimes and approve criminal organizations.
– We cannot stay silent erstwhile people are invited to our land, who have crimes on their conscience and advance ideologies contrary to our values," Braun stressed.
#StopBanderingPolish Confederation @Polish Corony submits a announcement to the D.A. on the exhaustive nature of the crime (prohibited by code and constitutional prohibition) to advance totalitarian regimes and to approve criminal organizations #Braun2025https://t.co/lDKfwpcMMy
— Grzegorz Braun (@GrzegorzBraun_) February 17, 2025
Śląska Wrocław fans: “We have had enough!”
The protest against the visit of the Azov Brigade was besides expressed by the Silesian Fans' Association Wrocław. In his statement, “We’ve had enough! Not for Azów in Wrocław!” fans emphasized that they do not agree to idealize abroad troops with traditions based on anti-Polish history.
– It is simply a scandal that a country that cultivates the bander's genocides does not want to exhume their Polish victims, has the nerve to invitation Ukrainian nationalists from the Azov Brigade to our land – we read in the stand of supporters.
Read more:
Grzegorz Braun submits a announcement to the D.A. on the visit of “Azow” in Wrocław
