summary of incident
In July 14 2025, in Poland, far-right MP Grzegorz Braun was investigated after publicly denying the existence of gas chambers at Auschwitz and disrupting memorial events commemorating the Jedwabne pogrom.
Details of incident
In July 2025, Polish far-right politician Grzegorz Braun became the subject of a criminal investigation following statements in which he denied the existence of gas chambers at Auschwitz, a form of Holocaust denial prohibited under Polish law.
On 10th June Braun and his supporters disrupted commemorative events marking the anniversary of the 1941 Jedwabne pogrom, during which hundreds of Jews were murdered. Reports indicate that a vehicle carrying members of the Jewish community, including the Chief Rabbi of Poland, was obstructed during the event.
Braun’s statements were made during a media appearance the same day, where he questioned established historical facts about the Holocaust. Braun spoke in right-wing Radio Wnet and said: ‘Ritual murder is a fact but, for example gas chambers in Auschwitz is a fake, unfortunetly’. The journalist stopped the audition.
Context of incident
The incident reflects ongoing tensions in Poland surrounding historical memory, particularly regarding the Holocaust and Polish–Jewish relations during World War II. The Jedwabne pogrom remains a highly sensitive subject, with competing narratives about responsibility continuing to shape public discourse.
Holocaust denial and distortion are recognised forms of antisemitism, and their expression by political actors raises concerns about the normalisation of extremist narratives.
Responsible actors or groups involved
Grzegorz Braun, a far-right Polish lawmaker, has been associated with nationalist and extremist positions. His public statements in this case included Holocaust denial.
False narratives or disinformation
The incident involved explicit Holocaust denial, including claims that gas chambers at Auschwitz did not exist. Such assertions are historically false and constitute a well-documented form of antisemitic disinformation aimed at denying the reality of the Holocaust.
