summary of incident
In June 2025, in central Warsaw, a group of teenagers verbally abused staff at an art gallery using antisemitic slurs and issued threats to burn the premises, prompting a police investigation.
Details of incident
In June 2025, a group of five teenage boys entered the Las Rąk craft gallery and shop located near the Świętokrzyska metro station in central Warsaw. During the incident, they directed verbal abuse at staff, including explicit antisemitic and homophobic slurs. The group also issued threats to return and set fire to the premises, creating a situation of intimidation for employees and customers. According to reports, the individuals demanded the removal of certain items displayed in the shop and attempted to re-enter after being asked to leave.
Police were called to the scene and subsequently opened an investigation into criminal threats and hate-motivated behaviour.
Context of incident
The incident reflects broader concerns about the presence of hate speech and aggressive behaviour among youth in public spaces in Poland. The use of antisemitic language alongside other forms of discriminatory rhetoric suggests the continued circulation of exclusionary attitudes within segments of society.
Observers note that such incidents, particularly when involving threats of violence, contribute to an environment in which minority groups and those perceived to be associated with them may feel unsafe in everyday settings.
