Thousands join nationalist march on Polish Independence Day

By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA
Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Tens of thousands of people in Warsaw have marched peacefully in a yearly Independence Day march organized by Polish nationalist groups. The march is controversial because it is led by far-right groups, and has included white nationalist and anti-immigrant messages in the past. But many people, including some with young children, came from across Poland on Friday to take part and show their patriotism. Many carried Poland’s national white-and-red flag. Warsaw’s mayor said he was relieved that the event avoided violence. But he said he was still disturbed by the anti-Ukrainian and anti-European Union messages some marchers carried. Some protesters also chanted slogans against Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces have invaded neighboring Ukraine.