NaijWeb Keeping you informed…
Seven Polish nationals detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano have been released.
The group, consisting of six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, was arrested on August 5, 2024, under suspicion of playing a “suspicious role” in the protests, which were aimed at challenging government policies and economic hardship.
Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, clarified that the students were in Nigeria as part of an African studies exchange program at Bayero University in Kano.
In spite of their intentions, their actions were perceived as disrespectful and disloyal to the host country, as waving another nation’s flag during a protest in a foreign land could be seen as an affront to the country’s sovereignty.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for foreigners to respect the national symbols and sentiments of the countries they visit.
The Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, confirmed the release of the students on August 28, expressing gratitude for the cooperation of the families and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in resolving the matter.
In a post on X, he stated,
“Polish students have been released and are in Kano. Thank you to everyone involved in the release of our citizens!” The situation highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and adherence to local customs when in a foreign country.
