There has been a remarkable activation of Belarusian sources used for disinformation purposes “on the Polish frontline” during the past week (30/10/2023 – 03/11/2023). The Belarusian side decided to conduct joint activities with Russian sources to depreciate the image of Poland in the context of one aspect of the Polish-Belarusian border crisis – the migration crisis artificially created by Minsk and Moscow.
In the materials presented by the Belarusians, a particular emphasis was placed on the issue of using the deceased Polish deserter Emil Czeczko. The Belarusians brought attention to the naming of one of the street sections after Emil Czeczko, which was presented as “proof” of the “morality” of the Belarusian side. In a given context, the mentioned Polish deserter is depicted as a “fighter for the truth” about “Polish crimes” allegedly committed by Polish service officers against migrants. The materials indicate the alleged shooting of migrants by Poles. Entries posted online and materials broadcast by Belarusian television also point to the “immorality” of the Polish side, manifested by its reluctance to recognise Emil Czeczko as a “hero”. In a given context, there are several photos published showing, among others, a Belarusian propagandist laying flowers on the grave of a “Polish hero”.
The case of Emil Czeczko clearly shows what fate awaits people who agree to cooperate with the Belarusian and Russian services. The man in question was not only exploited during his life, but also after his death. He serves Minsk and Moscow as a factor that can be used in information attacks against the Polish state. It is important to highlight the remarkable level of cynicism of Minsk, which is evident in the fact that the responsible (or complicit) party for the death of Emil Czeczko positions itself as the only force that cares about his “good name” and the memory of his “heroism”.
In the overall distorted image of reality created by Minsk and Moscow in a given context, Poland appears to be the “responsible” party for causing the migration crisis and the “guilty” one for the death of “hundreds” of migrants trying to get to the EU. Therefore, a contrast is being built between the “bloodthirsty Polish regime” and the Belarusian state “that cares about migrants” and “fights for the truth”. These activities focus on whitewashing the image of Minsk while demonising the image of Poland for the purposes of their domestic politics. The Russian-Belarusian disinformation machine is also aimed at transferring data to the Polish infosphere. At the same time, materials are broadcast to convince recipients that Poland is preparing a new “provocation” (a new stage of escalation of tensions). This “provocation” is intended to be used by the current government of the Republic of Poland to stay in power (to take over power in an undemocratic manner). As a result, we are dealing with Minsk and Moscow’s multi-vector activity, which, on the one hand, seeks to demonise Poland (showing our country as a dictatorship/regime) and, on the other, seeks to destabilise the socio-political situation in Poland by attempting to transfer the narrative about the “impending” coup.
It is worth exercising common sense in the event of a mass appearance in the Polish infosphere of a narrative about a “coup d’état” or a “new Polish provocation” on the Polish-Belarusian border – Minsk and Moscow may take the indicated action in November.
Author: dr Michał Marek
Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within thegrant comp etition “Public Diplomacy 2023”
