Poland deports 63 people, including 57 Ukrainians, over riots at Warsaw concert – Tusk

Poland has initiated the deportation procedure for 63 people who took part in riots and fights during a concert by Belarusian rapper Max Korzh at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

"I am pleased to announce that the situation that shocked public opinion has finally come to an end. These were riots, acts of aggression and certain provocations at the National Stadium during a concert by a Belarusian rapper. There were completely unnecessary incidents that required a quick response," Tusk said on Tuesday before a cabinet meeting, TVN24 reported.

He noted that proceedings had been initiated against 63 people to leave the country.

"They will have to leave the country voluntarily or under compulsion," Tusk said, adding that the group included 57 Ukrainians and six Belarusians.

The incident occurred on Saturday. According to Polish media, during the concert of the Belarusian rapper, some of the audience began to jump over the barriers to get from the stands to the stadium floor. Several participants in the riots started fights with security and stewards, and also lit fireworks. In addition, the flag of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, prohibited by Polish law, appeared in the stands.

In total, the police detained 109 people during the concert. As reported, this happened due to a number of misdemeanors and offenses, such as possession of drugs, violation of the physical integrity of security personnel, possession and carrying of pyrotechnics, as well as penetration into the territory of a mass event. The police fined 50 people for a total of PLN 11,450.

As reported, Tusk, commenting on the incident, accused Russia of trying to create tension in relations between Ukraine and Poland.

"Anti-Polish gestures by Ukrainians and the incitement of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland are a Putin scenario organized by foreign agents and local idiots," Tusk said on X on Tuesday.