In fresh months, Wrocław has experienced a series of acts of vandalism referring to the OUN-UPA ideology, which caused a wave of outrage. This time, a victim of vandalism was the building of the Racławska Panorama, a historical work of art that was originally located in Lviv. On the wall of the alleged small Rotunda appeared the red-black flag and the inscription “The fame of UPA” in Ukrainian.
Vandalism in a historical Place
Racławick's Panorama is simply a monumental mural that depicts the conflict of Racławics from 1794. It is simply a symbol of Polish history, and the object itself attracts interest not only in Poland, but besides abroad. The demolition of the wall of the building with the OUN-UPA flag and Ukrainian slogans has echoed widely in the media. Rafał Mekler, the Confederate politician and the leader of the Polish Carriers Protest, made the image available on the network, commenting on the incidental as follows: “Panorama Racławicka left Lviv and the Banderows followed her. Wrocław today. The inscription ‘The fame of UPA’.
Increase in vandalism in Wrocław
August 2023 brought the first reports of vandalism related to flagism in the capital of Lower Silesia. Building walls, mainly in the city centre, were covered with red-black flags and slogans referring to the character Stepan Bandera and his supporters. The most common slogan was “Baćko our Bandera”, which is simply a fragment of a popular song in Ukraine, glorifying the leader of UPA. These inscriptions and flags were visible on respective buildings, including Tadeusz Kościuszko Street, in the area of Wroclaw Medical Shop.
Social reactions and police action
Wrocław, a city with a rich past and cultural diversity, has been a place where different nationalities mix. All the more so, acts of vandalism referring to the CNS-UPA, an organization liable for crimes against Poles in the east Borders, are peculiarly painful for many residents. According to experts, specified actions can escalate cultural tensions and lead to further incidents.
Police are investigating these acts of vandalism, and suspects have been registered by city monitoring. In the case, allegations were made concerning the promotion of totalitarian regimes, which constitutes a crime under Article 256 of the Criminal Code. This means that perpetrators can be punished for promoting fascist, Nazi or Communist ideology, in this case referring to flagism.
Conclusion
In fresh months Wrocław has become a place where acts of vandalism of a political and national character escalate. The demolition of the Panorama Racławica building is another case that shows how hard modern Polish-Ukrainian relations can be in the historical context. These incidents, although they seem marginal, rise many emotions and require decisive action by the city authorities and law enforcement authorities.
Keeping the memory of the past, especially in places as crucial as the Racławack Panorama, must go hand in hand with respect for cultural diversity and care for the safety of residents. Wrocław, a symbol of reconstruction and peace after the war, cannot let vandalism acts to violate its peace and cultural heritage.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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"Nazis from Ukraine thank Poland". Bander symbolism on the Racławska Panorama building in Wrocław
