Testimonies

Here you will find testimonies collected from people on the move who have experienced pushbacks and other forms of violence on the Polish-Belarusian border.

It started with the dogs biting us and having us on the ground – Aden’s pushback

The problem is, they are not legal. There is no legality about it. Everything is just force – Kiros’s four pushbacks

They asked me to lie down and not to look at them – Vahid’s pushback

They threatened they’d kill us, so we wouldn’t come back. Firas’ pushback

I thought those were procedures so that they could take me to the camp – Jean’s pushback

We just came here to claim asylum, and to live in a peaceful country – Hiyab’s pushback

They take your clothes, your coat, and they take away your shoes as well. This is even worse than beating. Dahir’s seven pushbacks.

He said, ‘Sign this paper’, and when we refused to sign he said he would not give us the food. Taye’s pushback.

On the last page it says “I don’t want to apply for asylum in Poland, I don’t want to live in Poland.” So I didn’t sign. Abai’s pushback.

Amadi’s pushback. June 2024

Adam’s Pushback. June 2024

“I’m not a criminal. I’m trying to save my life, that’s why I’m taking this risk.” – Andre’s pushback