Poland extends state of emergency at border

In recent months, thousands of migrants – mostly from the Middle East – have tried to cross the borders between Belarus and neighboring countries, as well as EU member states Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. At least five migrants have died at the European Union’s border with Belarus in the past two months.

Poland responded by sending thousands of soldiers to the border area, erecting barbed wire fences and declaring a state of emergency to prevent entry to journalists and aid workers.

Doubts against Lukashenko

The European Union suspects that the influx is orchestrated by Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko in retaliation for the sanctions imposed on his regime.

Poland’s Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said 11,500 people have tried to cross the border this year, 1,500 of whom have been arrested in the country.

Human rights groups have warned of a humanitarian crisis at the border when temperatures start to drop and have been asked to come there to provide medical assistance. The Polish government has also been accused of preventing migrants from seeking asylum and forcing them instead to return to Belarus.

Johansson: The deaths are very worrying

– I am very concerned about the fact that people died there at the border. It is very important to investigate, and Polish authorities have said they will investigate what happened, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said on Monday.

– She added that it is totally unacceptable for people to die at our outer borders, it is important that we have openness.

The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, earlier expressed support for Poland and accused Belarus of using migrants as a cudgel against the European Union.

Polish radio reported that the decision was taken in the Polish parliament by 237 votes to 175 . Polish Radio.