Poland, once a symbol of successful transformation from communist oppression
to democracy, is in the grip of huge demonstrations following the Constitutional
Tribunal’s ruling which bans almost all abortions. Tens of thousands have been
protesting in towns and cities across Poland against the new draconian law that
bans abortions in the case of foetal defects. There are reports that protesters are
being attacked by organised groups of neo-Nazi thugs encouraged by the
government’s inflammatory anti-abortion rhetoric.
Amnesty International has
warned about the Polish government ‘s repeated attacks on women'rights, in
particular reproductive rights, as well as the legal and policy changes that have
undermined the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Poland.
Political observers agree that Poland is entering the most volatile period since
the country’s 1989 peaceful transition to democracy.
Dr Gosia Klatt President of the Australian Institute of Polish Affairs Senior Lecturer, Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne gosiaklatt@gmail.com
Radio SBS. Marzec 2020. Wywiad z nową prezeską AIPA, dr Gosią Klatt
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