Police came to the teenager shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday, November 27. Two police officers instructed the girl about the consequences of organising a protest.

– The police officers told me about the event – the girl says. – They said that I was listed there as the organiser and asked whether I was aware that it was illegal, then began telling me about the relevant legal provisions, that organising gatherings of more than five people was illegal. They started warning me. I began explaining that the protest was peaceful and would not block the street. They said that shouting profanities was punishable, that banners containing profanities were punishable, and that going out into the street was punishable. And if something happened at the protest, it would be my responsibility. I mentioned that I was not the only organiser, because there were many of us – the 16-year-old adds.

Asked whether she had been frightened by the police officers, she replied that it had been very unpleasant.

– The police officers told me that they did not want to frighten me, but I felt that, although they did not say it directly, they were suggesting that I should not attend the protest because I could face court proceedings for organising something like this [protestu przyp. red.] The police officers said that I was 16 today, but tomorrow I would be 17, so on Tuesday I would already be liable as an adult – the girl adds.

Volunteers from the All-Poland Women's Strike took care of the 16-year-old. And the event called “You Will Never Walk Alone, Women's Strike Lwówek Śląski” gained many more organisers: KOD Lower Silesia Wrocław, Bolesławiec Women's Strike, Young Together – Lower Silesia and Lwówecka Błyskawica.

Dariusz Sas, who takes part in the protests in Bolesławiec, has not so far had a police visit at home. Asked for comment, he replied ironically that the only organisers of the Women's Strike were Jarosław Kaczyński and Julia Przyłębska, and that they were the ones who should face criminal proceedings and the Tribunal of State. He then added seriously: – Enough is enough. Kaczyński will not intimidate women or the people who exercise their basic constitutional right to freedom of assembly. The police are carrying out political orders and intimidating underage citizens. This is just like beating women by masked plainclothes police officers. This government is strong against the weak – women in the street and children at school – but the police do not visit the organiser of the Independence March, with hooligan and fascist militias. Mr Kaczyński did not send his obedient police officers to Bąkiewicz – Dariusz Sas added.

Statement by the spokesperson for the KPP in Lwówek Śląski

I confirm that today police officers from the County Police Headquarters in Lwówek Śląski, as part of their official duties, met with Ms Iza P. and her mother. The police officers' visit was prompted, among other things, by the fact that Ms Iza had created a Facebook event on social media called “You Will Never Walk Alone, Women's Strike Lwówek Śląski”.

We emphasise that this was not merely sharing a post: Ms Iza was the creator of the post and was listed in it as the “organiser” of the event, encouraging other people to participate. Since Ms Iza is 16 and therefore a minor, the police officers informed her mother about the situation. A conversation was also held in which Ms Iza was asked what the protest would look like and how many people intended to participate. Ms Iza and her mother were informed about Paragraph 26 of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of November 26, 2020.

During the conversation, it was explained that everyone in Poland may express their views, opinions or comments, naturally within the limits of the law. This also applies to situations in which protest participants should comply, among other things, with traffic regulations, the Code of Petty Offences and other provisions. It was also explained that the police would try to ensure the safety of all sides, whether protest participants or, for example, road users, because it is worth noting that the protest was to take place in the evening, when it is already dark outside.

Participants were asked to use reflective elements, cover their mouths and noses, maintain the required distance and comply with traffic regulations. At the end of the conversation, Ms Iza was asked to carefully analyse the form of the protest and minimise violations of the law. Ms Iza, as the organiser, was informed that before the protest the police would inform other participants about the legal status of the situation described above. The meeting ended with a declaration of willingness to help. We emphasise that the entire conversation with Ms Iza took place in the presence of her legal guardian, her mother.

Sergeant Olga Łukaszewicz, press officer of the KPP Lwówek Śląski

Bolesławiec lawyers working pro bono (free of charge) for the Women's Strike

Dear “Walkers”! Do not be afraid to protest; do not be afraid to express what you think! Bolesławiec Lawyers will help anyone who has any problems related to participating in the protests. They will help free of charge. Call if necessary. Those in power are trying to frighten us, but they do not have the power to silence all of us. The vast majority of police officers, prosecutors and judges are with us. They are expressing this in statements appearing online. The All-Poland Women's Strike will also provide support in such cases. We also have assurances of legal and intervention assistance from Lower Silesian parliamentarians. The power is in you!

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