Belarusian authorities reported Sunday that 15 refugees, including Somali nationals, were found severely injured near the Belarus-Poland border, alleging Polish forces had attacked them and forcibly returned them to Belarusian territory.
According to Belarus’ State Border Committee, the injuries observed—bruises, rubber bullet wounds, and dog bites—indicated a violent encounter before the group was pushed back.
Belarusian officials claim that Polish border forces have intensified their tactics, using excessive force to prevent refugees from entering Poland.
A Belarusian representative stated, “This is not an isolated incident,” and highlighted a rise in such cases, with reports of other migrant deaths in recent weeks.
The plight of these refugees has garnered international concern as Poland’s restrictive border policies and “buffer zones” increasingly block access to asylum.
The group, which also included refugees from Syria and Algeria, was reportedly assaulted before being expelled.
Belarus’ Grodno District Investigative Committee announced a formal investigation into the incident, promising a thorough legal review of Poland’s actions.
Officials confirmed that medical treatment was given to the refugees, with injuries documented for potential legal cases.
Poland, however, has defended its strict border policies, accusing Belarus of directing migrant flows as political leverage against the European Union.
Poland has enforced “buffer zones” and tightened asylum restrictions, limiting access to the country.
In response, Belarus has condemned these actions, claiming they “authorize violence” against vulnerable individuals caught in a geopolitical struggle beyond their control.For many Somali refugees, reaching Europe represents a desperate attempt to escape conflict, drought, and poverty. Yet, upon arrival, many encounter heavily fortified borders rather than sanctuary.
