In the shadow of the Krakow massacre: massive far-right march in Poland

Thousands of far-right activists from across Europe participated in the Independence Day march in Warsaw under heavy security, days after the Krakow massacre in which six people were killed. Organizers called for an 'ethnically homogeneous' Poland.

Thousands of far-right activists and nationalists from across Europe gathered today (Wednesday) in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, for the annual Independence Day march, under heavy security and amid growing political tensions in the country. The march is held every year on November 11 to mark Poland's independence in 1918, and has over the years become a show of force for nationalist and far-right movements in Europe. This year, organizers expected record participation, including activists from Spain and Hungary. Participants carried Polish flags under the slogan 'Pole is the master in Poland.' Organizer spokesman Rafał Bucek told Reuters they aspire to a state that is 'as ethnically homogeneous as possible.' The event stirs sharp political controversy in Poland, especially this year following the Krakow massacre last Saturday, in which an armed young man killed six people and wounded 15 others. According to authorities, the suspect held extreme nationalist views. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for restraint. Police reported eight arrests.