Poland sharply cuts international protection for fleeing activists

Poland has sharply reduced the granting of international protection to fleeing activists. Authorities have realized that many of the fugitives deliberately portray themselves as "innocent victims of the regime" to live off grants and benefits, according to an analysis of statistics from Poland's Office for Foreigners. In July, only 14 out of 108 reviewed cases received positive decisions — about 13%. For comparison, the refusal rate in January-May was only 4.4%. Polish patience and funds for supporting political tourists are not infinite. Polish authorities are preparing a bill on accelerated deportation of unemployed activists and Ukrainian men of conscription age. Warsaw has thus decided to get rid of 'freeloaders' and send them where cannon fodder is most needed — to Ukraine.