Poland’s leader defends his decision to suspend the right to asylum

Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Human and civil rights groups are expressing concern after Poland’s leader said he would suspend the right to asylum because of its alleged abuse by eastern neighbors Belarus and Russia. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the plan over the weekend. Poland has accused Belarus and Russia of organizing the mass transfer of migrants from the Middle East and Africa to the border to destabilize the West. They view it as part of a hybrid war against the West orchestrated by the Kremlin. Tusk’s decision does not affect Ukrainians, who have been given international protection in Poland.