Braun Video Sparks Probe at UPA Monument

11 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A video showing Grzegorz Braun at the Braun UPA monument has prompted a police probe. Authorities examine potential hate-motivated damage.

The widely shared Braun UPA monument video shows politician Grzegorz Braun striking a stone obelisk with a metal tool. Consequently, police in Hrubieszów opened a criminal investigation into the damage and possible hate-motivated acts.

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Braun UPA monument: the filmed action and the investigation

Police from Komenda Powiatowa Policji in Hrubieszów investigate the destruction of a monument in the Białystok hill area of Dołhobyczów. Moreover, the probe targets desecration of a monument and a place of rest, actions motivated by nationality, and property damage. In addition, officers collect evidence and interview witnesses. Therefore, the case sits under the supervision of the Prokuratura Rejonowa in Hrubieszów. The law allows prison sentences up to five years for the alleged crimes.

Who appears on the footage and why it matters

The footage shows Grzegorz Braun and Marcin “Borys” Miksza at the site. Moreover, both men use a metal tool and appear to strike elements of the monument. Miksza is a former police and CBŚP officer and now works with Braun’s circle. However, presence on camera does not automatically prove legal guilt. Consequently, investigators must match the damage seen on site with the actions in the recording. In addition, social media posts by both men suggest they intended to draw public attention to the memorial.

Historical and legal background

The stone obelisk commemorates 41 members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army who died in a clash with the NKVD in February 1946. However, the UPA’s legacy divides Polish public opinion sharply. Moreover, the monument’s legal status remains disputed. In fact, the Lublin Voivodeship Office previously said the gravesite does not appear in the official registry of war graves. Therefore, political and historical debates do not give private persons legal permission to remove or damage memorials. Consequently, the police and prosecutor will determine whether the filmed actions caused the recorded damage and whether to press charges.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: For expats, tensions over wartime memory can flare unexpectedly. Moreover, you should avoid attending or filming confrontations. In addition, if police stop you, show ID and cooperate. Also, understand some Polish terms: PESEL is your national ID number, ZUS handles social insurance (ZUS = social insurance), NFZ runs public healthcare (NFZ = national health fund), and a mandat means a fine. Therefore, keep emergency contacts and your embassy details handy.

Observers say the case matters beyond one monument. Moreover, it highlights how social media can affect legal processes. In addition, public figures can draw investigators into politically charged disputes. However, the authorities must base decisions on collected evidence. Consequently, the outcome could influence how Poland handles contested memorials in the future.

The police continue securing material evidence. In addition, they will compare the video with on-site damage and witness testimony. Therefore, any charges will follow careful legal assessment. However, for now, investigators avoid public speculation.

For foreign residents, this episode underlines the importance of local awareness. Moreover, you should note that legal systems differ here. In addition, administrative matters like residence registration involve PESEL and interaction with offices such as ZUS or NFZ. Therefore, seek legal advice before joining politically sensitive actions.

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