Adam Bodnar has lost his patience. On social media, he’s threatening activists of the Border Defense Movement with legal consequences for protecting Poland’s border. This isn’t the first attack by the government on this grassroots civic initiative—but it’s the first time a formal prosecutorial investigation has been launched. The reason? “Unauthorized performance of duties of a public official,” the minister writes.
Amid growing concerns over migrant activity within Poland and reports of German authorities transporting foreigners into the country, more and more citizens are getting involved in defending the border. The Border Defense Movement plays a key role in this effort. In some towns, citizen patrols have also emerged. It’s seen as a response to the government’s inaction in the face of a dangerous practice.
A few days ago, activists of the Border Defense Movement, who have been responding to the wave of illegal migration from Germany, came under fire from the authorities. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak announced the involvement of security services. “It is the state that is responsible for border security, not groups of far-right activists summoned by Bąkiewicz,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
Today, Adam Bodnar also weighed in, warning Border Defense Movement activists that they must be prepared for action from the public prosecutor’s office under his authority. The reason?
“Where a person without proper authorization assumes the role of a state official or undermines their dignity or safety, a response must be expected,” he wrote on X, adding that the prosecution has already taken over two cases from the Border Guard regarding incidents on the western border.
“These proceedings are being conducted on the grounds of unauthorized performance of public official duties, as well as for insulting and inciting—via the X platform—to disclose personal information of Border Guard officers. Polish officers are guaranteed protection by the state,” he emphasized.