Continuing from the previous post, this is a set of pictures from the abortion protests of Warsaw, that took place on Wednesday, 2021/01/29. This demonstration was organized as a last desperate attempt to change the decision of the Constitutional Tribunal, which was formally published just two days before. After months of unsuccessful protests, the emotions were at their peak both on the side of the protesters and those who wanted them gone. From all the events I witnessed this one definitely had the most people hurt, which mostly meant getting pepper sprayed in the eyes.
It’s easy to spot the protesters heading to the event because many of them carry a sign or at least the red lightning
A few minutes after the start of the protest the crowd starts walking towards plac Powstańców Warszawy but get blocked off by the police
People climbing the fences to get off the street, away from the potential threat of anti-protesters.
A protest sign abandoned on the ground, probably because the owner got attacked by pepper spray
The police surrounding the leading vehicle of the protest
Protester wearing the flag of the European Union standing in front of the Palace of Culture and Science
The protest gets stuck next to the Centrum metro station because the police doesn’t let the leading vehicle move forward. This gives a perfect opportunity for the anti-protester groups to attack using pepper spray.Marta Lempart (in the foreground) the founder of the All-Poland Women’s Strike, getting help from the medics after being pepper sprayed in the eyes. Her head held up mirroring the woman on the poster in the background.Marta Lempart being helped to an ambulance so the medics can provide further assistance.
People being helped by the medics and the anti-conflict group of the police watching the events unfold.After getting help from the medics it’s still difficult for some to keep their eyes open.
After the police lets the leading vehicle go, the protesters make their way to plac Bankowy, while enjoying music pouring from speakers or live performed by a group of young drummers.After the protesters make their way to al. Jana Pawła II, they continue moving north.Young people cheering on the protest from their balconies
2 thoughts on “The abortion protests of 2020/21 part 3”
A wonderful record of this movement. Some powerful images.
Thank you so much!