Report on the closure of the Elba squat

The observers believe it may be argued that what they saw was the police officers actually assisting the owner of the occupied property and his private security personnel in evicting Elba squatters.

The intervening officers used truncheons and tear gas. The legal basis for the Police action, if any, remains unknown. The owner of the property, on which the squat was situated, failed to present any official order authorising the eviction.

In consequence, the Foundation asked the Chief of the Warsaw Police Force to indicate the legal basis under which his subordinates performed their duties. The HFHR also inquired whether measures employed by the officers were adequate and proportionate to the situation.