Mourners in Poland gathered in Warsaw to pay tribute to a young Belarusian woman who tragically lost her life after being brutally attacked and raped on the streets of the city last month. The incident has deeply shocked the nation and sparked outrage among the community.
Warsaw has increasingly become a safe haven for Belarusians escaping repression and Ukrainians fleeing conflict in recent years. Activists from these countries organized the memorial event, where people came together at the site of the crime in downtown Warsaw to honor the woman known as Lizaveta, or Liza.
Participants expressed their sorrow and anger over the prevalence of sexual violence against women and the tragic fate of a young refugee seeking safety in Poland. The crowd observed a moment of collective mourning, followed by a silent march. Some attendees criticized the reported bystanders who witnessed the crime but did not intervene, holding signs urging against indifference.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, currently living in exile in Lithuania, called on individuals to join the tribute to Lizaveta, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against violence towards women. Another opposition figure in exile, Pavel Latushka, also took part in the memorial procession.
The brutal nature of the attack has rattled the usually peaceful capital, with police revealing that Liza was found unconscious in the early hours of February 25 at a building entrance. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she tragically succumbed to the injuries sustained during the assault.
A 23-year-old Polish man, identified as Dorian S., has been arrested and charged with robbery, sexual assault, and attempted murder in connection with the crime. The incident has reignited conversations about the safety of refugees and the urgent need to address violence against women in society.
