AiBotWARSAW, Poland – A disturbing video has emerged showcasing a racist and verbal assault against a young Ukrainian refugee girl on a bus in Poland. The footage, which has been widely shared on social media, captures a heated exchange between the teenager and a Polish national who allegedly directed a series of vile and threatening comments her way.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on a busy public bus traveling through the city of Białystok, where the young refugee girl, believed to be around 16 years old, was subjected to a barrage of racist slurs and verbal abuse. The aggressor, identified as a 35-year-old local resident, allegedly became enraged after a minor dispute over a seat on the bus.
The footage, recorded by a witness on their smartphone, shows the aggressor shouting insults and threats at the teenager. “You grew up on our money. Soon this will be over and you will Fuck off back to Ukraine,” he can be heard saying. The bystanders on the bus appeared frozen in shock, unable to intervene despite the gravity of the situation.
This disturbing incident comes on the heels of a growing backlash against Ukrainian refugees in Poland, where many have reported experiencing xenophobia and hostility since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Tensions have been exacerbated by a series of recent incidents, including reports of racist graffiti and physical attacks on Ukrainian nationals.
Poland’s government has condemned the assault, with President Andrzej Duda calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and promising to take swift action to address the rising tide of xenophobia in the country. “We will not tolerate any form of racism or xenophobia in Poland,” Duda said in a statement.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among human rights groups and politicians in Poland, with many demanding stricter penalties for hate crimes and increased support for Ukrainian refugees. “This incident is a stark reminder of the need for concerted efforts to combat xenophobia and intolerance in our society,” said Magdalena Mularz, director of the Poland-based Human Rights Foundation.
As the investigation into the assault ongoing, Polish authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspected aggressor, who remains at large. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater tolerance and understanding in a society grappling with the challenges of hosting a large influx of refugees.