Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed a new law that expands the legal use of weapons by Polish military, police, and border guards. The new legislation allows these forces to use weapons more freely, especially in situations where they are defending the country’s borders. President Duda expressed his satisfaction with the law, stating that it will enable Poland to protect its borders more effectively and make the challenging work of the military and border forces easier.
In July, the Polish Sejm, the lower house of parliament, approved the bill with a majority vote. This new law removes criminal liability for the use of weapons or direct coercion by Polish soldiers and border guards under certain conditions. This means that they can now shoot at anyone attempting to cross the border illegally without fearing criminal prosecution. The law aims to strengthen border security, particularly in response to the ongoing migrant crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border.
However, the new legislation has raised concerns among international human rights organizations. The Council of Europe, through its Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, criticized the law, arguing that it violates Poland’s obligations under international human rights law. The Commissioner pointed out that Poland has been accused of forcibly returning migrants across the Polish-Belarusian border, a practice that goes against international standards. The new law, which exempts border guards from criminal liability, is seen as likely to worsen the situation for migrants trying to enter Poland.
The introduction of this law is part of Poland’s broader effort to address the migration crisis and secure its borders. However, the move has sparked a significant debate about the balance between national security and human rights. While the Polish government views the law as a necessary measure to protect its borders, critics argue that it undermines the rights and safety of migrants. The law’s impact on Poland’s international standing and its relationships with neighboring countries remains to be seen as it comes into force.