According to Deutsche Welle, three women and two men stand accused of human trafficking after they attempted to assist an Iraqi-Kurdish family with seven children in March 2022. The aid workers provided emergency help to the family in the Bialowieza National Park near the Polish-Belarusian border and tried to transport them to the nearest town. A Polish border patrol intercepted the vehicle, leading to charges against the aid workers. The trial, moved to the regional court in Bialystok due to high media interest, underscores the tension between border security and humanitarian efforts.
Spectators in the courtroom, many of whom are involved in refugee aid themselves, were visibly moved during the proceedings. The trial has prompted hundreds of aid workers to report themselves to the public prosecutor, admitting to similar acts of assistance. The verdict for the Hajnowka Five is anticipated at the next court hearing on September 8, 2025.
Ewa Moroz-Kaczynska, one of the defendants, expressed that their actions were driven by necessity rather than choice. She emphasized that they hoped the state would assume responsibility for aiding migrants. The trial has sparked broader discussions about the criminalization of humanitarian aid, with Moroz-Kaczynska arguing that their only “crime” was compassion for migrants.
Poland’s border security measures have been praised by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to the Polish-Belarusian border with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Despite the high-profile nature of the current trial, it is not the first instance of aid workers facing legal action. Authorities have previously detained aid workers since 2021, although many charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
On the same day as the Hajnowka Five’s trial, another case opened involving refugee aid worker Bartosz J. He is accused of obstructing border guards and using coercion after assisting a seriously injured Somali student in submitting an asylum application. These cases reflect the ongoing legal challenges faced by individuals aiding refugees along the Belarusian border.
According to the Polish border police Straz Graniczna, approximately 30,000 people attempt to illegally cross the border from Belarus to Poland each year. Despite substantial security measures, these numbers have remained constant since 2021. Poland’s stance on handling border issues independently is evident, as international organizations such as Frontex and UNHCR are not active in the area.
Prime Minister Tusk has reiterated Poland’s commitment to its strict anti-immigration policy, emphasizing the need for toughness and preparedness. Meanwhile, von der Leyen has pledged increased EU support for border management, promising additional funds for countries with borders adjacent to Russia or Belarus. This support aims to strengthen and safeguard the European Union’s external borders.