Polish independence day marred by violence

VIOLENT clashes erupted in Warsaw last night as right-wing extremists, football hooligans and anarchists attacked police with cobblestones and glass bottles during marches commemorating the country’s Independence Day.

Marches by far-right and nationalist groups on the key national holiday have grown in size in recent years, with a growing number of left-wing activists turning out in opposition.

This year, the marches were seen as a major test of the country’s security capabilities before the 2012 European Championships, which Poland will co-host with Ukraine.

Police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said a plan to keep hostile marches from one another was successful, but that “thugs and hooligans joined the marches to target police”.

At least 21 people were taken to hospitals with injuries following the clashes, which were some of the most violent Poland has seen in years. At least 17 police officers were also injured, including three who were taken to hospital.

Dressed in black, and with scarves hiding their faces, young people threw bottles, firecrackers and stones at riot police in downtown Warsaw, where rightist and leftist activists were holding separate marches.

Some masked people set fire to two news trans-mission vans.

Police brought in reinforcements from eight other cities. Some patrolled on horseback, while many others surrounded protesters carrying truncheons and wearing riot gear.

Prime minister Donald Tusk vowed to make sure those arrested for attacking police are severely punished, spokesman Pawel Gras said.

The most violent clashes appeared to be the work of far-right protesters and football hooligans. Police said the situation was brought under control after they used water cannon and pepper gas.