O'Flaherty's letters, dated July 17, highlight issues such as pushbacks and the potential impact of new legislation.
In his letter to Tusk, he expressed concern over reports of pushbacks and reminded that such actions violate international human rights laws. He also warned that a buffer zone could worsen the situation. "Poland must ensure that all laws and practices related to the situation on Poland's border with Belarus comply with the Council of Europe's human rights standards," O'Flaherty wrote.
In the letter to Kidawa-Błońska, O'Flaherty criticized a proposed bill that could exempt state service representatives from liability for using force or firearms in certain urgent situations. "Adoption of the law may constitute legal and political acquiescence in the disregard of the principles of proportionality in the use of force or firearms by representatives of state services operating in border areas or in other situations covered by the law," he noted.
The bill, currently at the Senate stage, includes provisions allowing the use of force in specific urgent situations, which O'Flaherty argues could lead to a lack of accountability. He urged senators not to pass the bill in its current form.
Senate committees recently rejected amendments to the bill that would have removed the provision on non-punishment for misuse of weapons by soldiers and officers.
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Source: PAP