Speaking after images of Polish EPP Group members being hung from gallows appeared online, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella and S&D Group vice-president Josef Weidenholzer said:

 

“The images of MEPs hanging from gallows in Poland are repugnant. They clearly incite hatred and violence towards people freely expressing their opinions. The Polish authorities must take action against those involved and president Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Beata Szydło need to publically condemn it in the strongest terms possible. Further the sight of ultra-nationalists marching through the streets of Warsaw earlier this month was highly concerning. The Polish authorities must do more to tackle rising xenophobia and right-wing extremism.

 

“Political disagreement and debate is one thing but politicians on all sides must condemn actions or words that incite hatred or violence. The MEPs pictured may sit with a different Group in our Parliament but we are united in solidarity with them.”

 

 

MEPs INVOLVED

PITTELLA Gianni

gianni.pittella@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 284 51 59

+33 3 88 17 51 59

http://www.giannipittella.eu/

 

WEIDENHOLZER Josef

josef.weidenholzer@ep.europa.eu

+32(0)2 28 45473

+33(0)3 88 1 75473

http://www.weidenholzer.eu/

 

S&D PRESS CONTACT

ALLAN, Tim

tim.allan@ep.europa.eu

+32 2 283 41 82