LONDON, United Kingdom (AX) — Officials from Belarus announced on a somber Sunday that a group of 15 injured refugees, among them individuals from Somalia, were discovered close to the Belarus-Poland boundary. These refugees reported that Polish security forces had allegedly attacked them, pushing them back harshly. It appears they were subjected to violent acts, including beatings and pepper-spray assaults, and were pursued by dogs near a border fence. The State Border Committee of Belarus stated the visible marks, like bruises, rubber bullet impacts, and canine bites, are evidence of a brutal confrontation before these individuals were forced back into Belarus.
Belarusian authorities claim Poland is escalating its border defense strategies, particularly criticizing them for using excessive force and denying refugees the chance to seek asylum. “This situation is far from unique,” shared a Belarusian committee spokesperson, pointing to an increase in pushbacks just last month, tragically leading to the reported deaths of two migrants. The dire circumstances faced by these refugees have raised global unease as Poland’s “buffer zones” and tight asylum regulations continue to hinder safe passage.
According to the Belarus State Border Committee, among the group were also people from Syria and Algeria, who evidently faced aggression before being compelled back across the border.
In response, Belarus’ Grodno District Investigative Committee has launched a formal investigation, promising a “decisive legal review” of Poland’s actions. Medical care was extended to the affected refugees, with injuries meticulously recorded to lay groundwork for possibly pursuing legal claims.
Poland stands by its border policing measures, asserting that Belarus manipulates migrant movements as a tool to apply political pressure on the European Union. Reacting to this perceived threat, Poland has reinforced its borders, setting up buffer zones and adopting more stringent asylum rules, which effectively prevent refugees from finding solace. Belarus counters by arguing these measures effectively “legalize violence” against the migrants whose lives dangle precariously in this geopolitical tug-of-war.
For numerous Somali people, embarking on the perilous journey to Europe represents a desperate bid for survival, fleeing the turmoil, drought, and grinding poverty engulfing their nation. Many travel through hazardous paths across North Africa and Eastern Europe, yet, rather than finding sanctuary upon arrival, they often face unyielding borders that block their way to safety.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
