Florian Nath, spokesman for the Berlin police, was asked by the German outlet Deutsche Welle about the incident involving Polish activists and German police officers in Berlin. His comments sparked controversy after he accused the Polish participants of allegedly grabbing police uniforms and attempting to push officers. His remarks prompted a strong response from Michał Rachoń, the program director of TV Republika.
“German uniform, German microphone, German arrogance. Pay the reparations, return the works of art. Apologize for your fathers and grandfathers. And delete your accounts,” Rachoń wrote.
Incident in Berlin
On June 16, members of the Border Defense Movement (ROG) traveled to Berlin to place a cross near a memorial stone dedicated to Polish victims of World War II. According to the article, German police intervened, preventing the installation of the cross. Participants were reportedly knocked to the ground and handcuffed, and some sustained injuries requiring medical treatment.
Berlin Police Version of Events
In a statement posted on X, Berlin police presented their own account of the incident. According to the police, officers prohibited the group from marching together to the memorial site. Through an interpreter, participants were allegedly offered the option of holding a stationary demonstration at Skulpturenpark or approaching the memorial individually.
Police stated that when the group proceeded toward the site together while carrying a cross and banners, six individuals were detained. The statement claimed that officers encountered resistance and therefore used coercive measures.
Police Spokesman Defends Officers’ Actions
Speaking to Deutsche Welle, Florian Nath argued that force had been used only as a last resort.
“The use of force is always a last resort, meaning the final measure when everything else has failed—when words no longer work and when the threat of taking appropriate action is ineffective.”
He also accused members of the Border Defense Movement of physically resisting police.
“These individuals attempted to break through the police cordon. They pushed officers, tried to move them aside, and grabbed their uniforms. As a result, police immediately intervened, brought them to the ground, handcuffed them, and then attempted to regain control of the situation. Members of the group later called the Berlin fire brigade via the emergency number because some people were feeling unwell. The fire brigade transported three injured individuals to a hospital emergency department, where they were examined again.”
Rachoń’s Response
Rachoń sharply criticized Nath’s comments, linking the incident to broader historical grievances between Poland and Germany.
“German uniform, German microphone, German arrogance. Pay the reparations, return the works of art. Apologize for your fathers and grandfathers. And delete your accounts.”
The incident continues to generate political and media debate in both Poland and Germany, with differing accounts being presented regarding the circumstances of the police intervention.