Rainbow 'happening' broken up in Poznan

Counter-protester kicks over boxes of flowers during the rainbow happening organised by Circus Ferus, Poznan. Photo: PAP/Pawel Jaskolka

The happening follows controversy surrounding a vast art installation in the form of a rainbow on Warsaw's Saviour's Square (Plac Zbawiciela), which nationalists have repeatedly tried to destroy.

The Poznan-based Circus Ferus group attempted to construct a rainbow of flowers on the city's own Saviour's Square.

“Our rainbow is a reaction against a series of disturbing events and the wave of hatred that is passing through Poland,” commented Circus Ferus member Lukasz Kowalski.

However, a number of counter-protesters from the so-called Union of Patriots attempted to break up the happening.

“We are here to protest against lefties and faggots,” declared union chief Bogdan Freytag, over a tannoy.

“Go ahead and put up the rainbow, because it will be burnt anyway if it's left here,” he said, alluding to the fate of the Warsaw rainbow, which has been repeatedly torched.

Employees of the Municipal Road Management remove the rainbow, Poznan. Photo: PAP/Pawel Jaskolka

Freytag and the union's leader Macieja Andrzejak were dragged away by police after kicking over boxes carrying flowers.

However, Circus Ferus itself had not obtained any permit to carry out the happening, and police ordered the group to clear up the square.

The rainbow installation itself was removed (pictured above) by employees of the Municipal Road Management. (nh)

Source: PAP/ naszemiasto.pl