A-Infos (en) Poland, Bialystok, Warhead, Winter 2002/2003, article about Radical Anti-Fascist Action

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Poland is a country, where like in other places danger of
nazism and fascism still exists. Far right organizations and
parties are gaining upper hand and have significant
presence in local and national governments. But not
everyone is happy with that situation and some people
decided to resist. Organized Anti-Fascist movement
started in Poland in 1992 with formation of Anti Nazi Front
in Wroclaw, at this time one of most nazi-infested cities.
Movement quickly grew and till 1994 there were
Anti-Fascist groups in majority of bigger Polish cities.
Some of these groups were just street orientated
self-defense groups , some were more politically orientated,
although all of them had militant character.

 Bialystok was always city full of nazi scum. Before first
Anti-Fascist groups were organized here, fascists almost
totally controlled streets and cultural life of the area. This
changed when more and more people started resisting
them. On the beginning these were only small groups, but
they quickly grew. Spring of 1994 turned out very badly for
nazis as there was first Anti-Fascist demonstration and
also first and till now biggest street confrontation between
nazis and Anti-Fascists. Despite of having about three
times more people, fascists were taken by surprise and
suffered many injuries that day. Since then antifa demos in
March became a tradition continued till present time.
There were confrontations almost every year but most of
the time Anti-Fascists won. Apart from that widespread
tactic of targeting most active nazis in their homes, work
places and schools was employed and it quickly gave
positive results.  Also there was more and more
propaganda on streets, schools and oth

By the end of 90s Anti-Fascist movement suffered serious
split as many activists turned towards legal methods of
fighting, obviously not understanding that police and state
will never be on our side. Because of that militant
movement in Poland was reduced to just 2 or 3 groups, as
many people became disillusioned and lost hope for things
to be better. Meanwhile nazis were not sleeping and after
brief period of apathy they started attacking again.
Bialystok was no exception. People active in anarchist and
alternative movement were shocked, but resistance quickly
started again. In 2000 Radical Anti-Fascist Action was
reformed and started regular activity again. Our rule is
"Wherever they go, we go as well". It means that we try to
stop nazis in any place they may appear. Anti-Fascist
patrols are being formed and they manage after few months
of hard fighting to make area around our squat safe and
also to stop or limit nazi activity in many places. This
doesn't go without a price though.

Our current area of activity is opposition to growth of
Fortress Europe, combating state racism (we take very
active part in anti-border camps in Poland, directed at
racist government policy against immigrants) and of course
permanent opposition to any nazi activity we discover in
area. We also support and use tactic of permanent pressure
on right wing groups, what forces them to limit and in many
cases stop their activity and be concerned about their own
safety. We continue to be only street orientated, militant
Anti-Fascist group in the area and we can claim many
successes in combating nazis.

What you can do to help us? First of all start your own
Anti-Fascist group. This struggle is international and we
must know that there are comrades around they world
fighting for the same cause. International solidarity is a
must! Distribute information about our struggle, support
Anti-Fascist prisoners, fight back! We wait for any news
about your activity. We are also in continuous need of
funds, not only for legal help, but also for present activity.
Organize benefit shows for us and raise funds. We will use
them in best possible way!

We wait for a contact with all militant anarchist and
Anti-Fascist groups.

 RAAF1515

                PO BOX 43

        15-662 Bialystok 26

                                Poland

                  wildeast@poczta.onet.pl





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