In Bydgoszcz, Poland, a man and a woman attacked a 14-year-old Ukrainian girl and a 12-year-old Ukrainian boy after hurling insults and threats at them because of their nationality. According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred because the children were speaking Ukrainian, the Consulate-General of Ukraine in Gdańsk has reported. The girl’s arm was twisted, whilst the boy sustained scratches. A report has been filed with the police, who are searching for those involved.
Briefly about the main points
- According to preliminary reports, the incident in Bydgoszcz was triggered by children speaking Ukrainian.
- Before the physical abuse, the children were threatened and insulted on the grounds of their nationality.
- The girl’s arm was twisted, and the boy sustained some scratches.
- The Polish police are investigating the circumstances and searching for those involved.
- The consulate is in contact with the victims’ mother and plans to discuss the safety of Ukrainians.
From insults and threats to physical violence
According to the consulate, the man and woman initially insulted the children, used foul language and threatened them on the grounds of their nationality. The verbal altercation subsequently escalated into physical violence: the girl’s arm was twisted.
The attackers also smashed a toy drone and threw the pieces at the boy. He sustained scratches. The diplomatic mission reported that the children’s physical health is not currently at risk, but they have suffered severe emotional distress.
The Consulate-General of Ukraine in Gdańsk has strongly condemned any manifestations of xenophobia.
The police are searching for those involved, and the consulate is organising a meeting
Following the incident, a report was filed with the Polish police. The police are investigating the circumstances of the attack and searching for those involved.
Ukrainian diplomats have stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with the victims’ mother.
Issues relating to combating intolerance and the safety of Ukrainians will be discussed during a planned meeting with the leadership of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, representatives of local authorities and the police.
