Feb 26 • 18:40 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Oko.press

"The demonstration lost its peaceful character". The Kai Godek Foundation sues the city of Gdańsk's decision

The Kai Godek Foundation is suing the city of Gdańsk over the premature termination of an anti-abortion demonstration outside a local hospital, claiming it infringed on civil liberties.

In Gdańsk, the District Court is set to determine whether the city officials acted appropriately by dissolving an anti-abortion protest organized by the Foundation for Life and Family, led by Kai Godek. This demonstration, initially scheduled for January 18, 2026, was halted by city authorities, who later justified their actions claiming that the demonstration's character had turned non-peaceful. The foundation argues that the city overstepped its authority and violated the rights of its participants by ending the protest prematurely.

The dispute revolves around the interpretation of what constitutes a peaceful demonstration and the respective roles of city officials and protest organizers. Supporters of the foundation believe that their right to assemble was unlawfully restricted and that this action reflects a broader trend of limiting civil liberties, particularly for groups advocating for anti-abortion stances in Poland. Conversely, city officials maintain that maintaining public safety and order during such gatherings is a priority, legitimizing their decision to intervene.

This case highlights significant tensions in Poland surrounding reproductive rights and freedom of speech, especially as public sentiments regarding abortion remain deeply divided. The outcome of the court’s decision could have implications for future protests and the extent to which local authorities can regulate public demonstrations, impacting both anti-abortion activists and other civic groups advocating for various issues.

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