The leader of a nationalist group formed to oppose migrant transfers from Germany to Poland is set to stand trial. Robert Bąkiewicz, head of the self-described Border Defence Movement, is facing several criminal charges linked to his actions and statements against migrants, Germans, and Polish border officials.
Polish prosecutors have confirmed that Bąkiewicz has been formally indicted. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison. The charges include insulting public officials, defamation, and inciting hatred against migrants and people of German nationality.
Bąkiewicz is a well-known figure in Poland’s far-right movement. He previously led the National Radical Camp and organised the annual Independence March in Warsaw. In the 2023 elections, he ran as a candidate for the conservative Law and Justice party, despite having been convicted earlier that year for attacking a female protester during an abortion rights demonstration.
In 2024, he formed the Border Defence Movement, whose members began patrolling Poland’s western border with Germany. The group claimed it was trying to stop Germany from returning migrants who had crossed the border illegally. The movement received public support from several opposition politicians, although the Polish government warned that such actions interfered with official border control operations.
According to prosecutors, one of the charges relates to an incident at the Słubice border crossing, where Bąkiewicz allegedly insulted border guards and military police officers. He is accused of calling them “traitors” and saying they brought shame to the Polish uniform. Insulting public officials while they are on duty is a criminal offence in Poland.
Other charges stem from social media posts and online videos in which prosecutors say Bąkiewicz spread messages that encouraged hostility toward migrants and Germans. Authorities argue that his statements helped fuel hatred and deepen social tensions around migration issues in Poland.
Bąkiewicz has denied all charges and refused to testify during questioning. He has described the case as politically motivated and claims it is retaliation for his opposition to what he calls “mass migration.” Despite the legal action, his movement has continued organising symbolic protests along the German border.
The case comes amid ongoing tensions over Germany’s policy of returning migrants to Poland under EU rules. Although the practice has existed for years, it became a major political issue in 2024. In response, Poland reintroduced border controls with Germany and Lithuania, measures that are still in place.
The upcoming trial is expected to draw national attention, as debates over migration, border security, and hate speech remain highly sensitive across Europe.