Russia deportates Polish motorcyclists following provocative memorial event in Tver region
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation announced the decision to deport 39 Polish nationals involved in an unauthorized torch-bearing ceremony at a Polish military cemetery in the Tver region.
The incident, which took place on August 27, has sparked widespread debate and raised concerns over diplomatic relations between Russia and Poland.
According to regional law enforcement sources and reports in ‘Novaya Gazeta,’ the participants, known as bikers from the association Kocham Polskę (‘Love Poland’), visited the memorial to honor Polish officers who were repressed in the past by Soviet authorities.
The memorial service was held with torchlights and candles, with attendees engaged in prayers.
The event concluded with the performance of the Polish national anthem.
Police stated that the gathering was unauthorized, leading to the detention of all 39 participants and issuing protocols for violations of entry and stay regulations.
They also banned each individual from entering Russia for five years.
Meanwhile, Kremlin propaganda claims that the participants crossed into Russia via the Belarusian border in Pskov region on individual trips to evade notice.
These sources describe the bikers as ‘Hitler enthusiasts’ who allegedly organized a torch march with swastikas, chanted anti-Russian slogans, and left vandalistic inscriptions in Polish.
The incident has ignited further discussion regarding freedom of expression, security, and diplomatic sensitivities in the region.