Archaeologists excavated a 400-year-old grave in Poland, which revealed a burial unlike any they had seen. The discovery was made in 2022 and was recently described in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports by a team of Polish researchers. The grave had the remains of a woman positioned strangely, a sickle pointed at her throat, and an iron padlock on her left toe. She was supposedly linked to ill luck and calamities by the community, who feared she could return as a vampire.&nbsp;Researchers from Poland’s Nicolaus Copernicus University dug up the grave and came across an unexpected scene. The skeleton in it belonged to a woman and was interred with booby traps, supposedly to stop her from coming back as a vampire. She lived in the 17th century in Pień, about 96 kilometres from Kraków. She died sometime between 1620 and 1674 CE at the age of 17 to 19.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-geologist-finds-3-5bn-year-old-evidence-of-life-in-the-rocks-of-jharkhand-1787298651689">Indian geologist finds 3.5bn-year-old evidence of life in the rocks of Jharkhand</a><h2>Grave where body was removed and placed again with lock and sickle</h2>Archaeologists noticed that the soil was in a disrupted state, indicating that the grave was dug up before the body decomposed fully. Its position was then rearranged, with her arm towards the northeast. An iron sickle was put across her neck with the blade covering her throat and an iron padlock on her left toe. The researchers connected the sickle and lock to folk stories about supernatural or demonic forces.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/magical-plant-used-for-birth-control-by-romans-and-greeks-found-again-2-000-years-after-going-extinct-1787148634340">Magical plant used for birth control by Romans and Greeks found 2,000 years after going extinct</a>&nbsp;In the 17th century, Polish-Lithuanian communities blamed those who had recently died for diseases and famines. They believed the woman in the grave was seen as the reason for some incident, and so they tried to stop her from being reborn. But she likely belonged to a wealthy family, as thin metallic threads composed of gilded gold and silver wires were found near the skull. However, her nitrogen and carbon levels indicate she was malnourished.&nbsp;A green stain on her neck and palate bones shows that some kind of object was placed in her mouth or nasal cavity around the time she died. Besides the padlock and sickle, her DNA analysis showed that her maternal lineage was rare and is almost non-existent in more modern Slavic regions. The findings show that 17th-century Poland was not untouched by faith and superstition.

A 17th-century grave in Poland contained the remains of a woman whom people believed brought bad luck to society. So she added a padlock and a sickle to her dead body. Researchers have detailed their findings four years after making the grim discovery.

Archaeologists excavated a 400-year-old grave in Poland, which revealed a burial unlike any they had seen. The discovery was made in 2022 and was recently described in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports by a team of Polish researchers. The grave had the remains of a woman positioned strangely, a sickle pointed at her throat, and an iron padlock on her left toe. She was supposedly linked to ill luck and calamities by the community, who feared she could return as a vampire. Researchers from Poland’s Nicolaus Copernicus University dug up the grave and came across an unexpected scene. The skeleton in it belonged to a woman and was interred with booby traps, supposedly to stop her from coming back as a vampire. She lived in the 17th century in Pień, about 96 kilometres from Kraków. She died sometime between 1620 and 1674 CE at the age of 17 to 19. Also Read: Indian geologist finds 3.5bn-year-old evidence of life in the rocks of Jharkhand Grave where body was removed and placed again with lock and sickle Archaeologists noticed that the soil was in a disrupted state, indicating that the grave was dug up before the body decomposed fully. Its position was then rearranged, with her arm towards the northeast. An iron sickle was put across her neck with the blade covering her throat and an iron padlock on her left toe. The researchers connected the sickle and lock to folk stories about supernatural or demonic forces. Also Read: Magical plant used for birth control by Romans and Greeks found 2,000 years after going extinct In the 17th century, Polish-Lithuanian communities blamed those who had recently died for diseases and famines. They believed the woman in the grave was seen as the reason for some incident, and so they tried to stop her from being reborn. But she likely belonged to a wealthy family, as thin metallic threads composed of gilded gold and silver wires were found near the skull. However, her nitrogen and carbon levels indicate she was malnourished. A green stain on her neck and palate bones shows that some kind of object was placed in her mouth or nasal cavity around the time she died. Besides the padlock and sickle, her DNA analysis showed that her maternal lineage was rare and is almost non-existent in more modern Slavic regions. The findings show that 17th-century Poland was not untouched by faith and superstition.

A 17th-century grave in Poland contained the remains of a woman whom people believed brought bad luck to society. So she added a padlock and a sickle to her dead body. Researchers have detailed their findings four years after making the grim discovery.

400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage

Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has revoked the country's highest honour awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a dispute over the naming of a Ukrainian military unit linked to a controversial World War II nationalist movement.&nbsp;Tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv have intensified in recent days after Zelensky approved the naming of a Ukrainian army unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist force accused of carrying out massacres of Poles during World War II.&nbsp;Nawrocki withdrew the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state distinction, despite opposition from both the Ukrainian government and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.&nbsp;Announcing the move, Nawrocki said, "Historical truth is not, and can never be, a bargaining chip."&nbsp;He stated that Poland had "repeatedly" urged Ukraine to reverse the decision to name the military unit after the UPA. According to Nawrocki, "The Ukrainian side's position has not changed."&nbsp;"Therefore, in light of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s consent to name one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine 'Heroes of the UPA'... I have decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from the President of Ukraine," he said.&nbsp;The decision comes just days before Poland is set to host the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference in the Baltic city of Gdansk. It remains unclear whether Zelensky will attend the event.&nbsp;Former Polish President Andrzej Duda presented Zelensky with the Order of the White Eagle in 2023, citing his contributions to relations between the two countries, democracy, peace and security in Europe, as well as his "steadfastness in defending inalienable human rights".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-secures-major-role-at-fatf-all-about-the-watchdog-that-previously-put-pakistan-on-the-grey-list-1781896040812">India secures major role at FATF: All about the watchdog that previously put Pakistan on the grey list</a><h2>Ukraine condemns the decision</h2>Ukraine strongly criticised the move, describing it as a "strategic mistake" from which "only Moscow stands to gain".&nbsp;Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also announced plans to return an award he received from Poland in 2022, calling the decision "unjustified, impulsive and disrespectful".&nbsp;Although Poland remains one of Ukraine's strongest supporters in its war against Russia, public attitudes towards Ukraine have become increasingly negative in recent years.&nbsp;The shift in sentiment has been driven by fatigue over the arrival of refugees, disagreements over grain imports and lingering disputes linked to the World War Two era killings of Poles by Ukrainian nationalist groups.&nbsp;Despite the latest diplomatic row, Poland has remained a key ally of Ukraine throughout more than four years of war, hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees and serving as a major transit hub for Western military and humanitarian assistance.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle after Zelensky approved the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist group blamed for massacres of Poles during World War II.

Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has revoked the country's highest honour awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a dispute over the naming of a Ukrainian military unit linked to a controversial World War II nationalist movement. Tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv have intensified in recent days after Zelensky approved the naming of a Ukrainian army unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist force accused of carrying out massacres of Poles during World War II. Nawrocki withdrew the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state distinction, despite opposition from both the Ukrainian government and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Announcing the move, Nawrocki said, "Historical truth is not, and can never be, a bargaining chip." He stated that Poland had "repeatedly" urged Ukraine to reverse the decision to name the military unit after the UPA. According to Nawrocki, "The Ukrainian side's position has not changed." "Therefore, in light of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s consent to name one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine 'Heroes of the UPA'... I have decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from the President of Ukraine," he said. The decision comes just days before Poland is set to host the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference in the Baltic city of Gdansk. It remains unclear whether Zelensky will attend the event. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda presented Zelensky with the Order of the White Eagle in 2023, citing his contributions to relations between the two countries, democracy, peace and security in Europe, as well as his "steadfastness in defending inalienable human rights". Also Read: India secures major role at FATF: All about the watchdog that previously put Pakistan on the grey list Ukraine condemns the decision Ukraine strongly criticised the move, describing it as a "strategic mistake" from which "only Moscow stands to gain". Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also announced plans to return an award he received from Poland in 2022, calling the decision "unjustified, impulsive and disrespectful". Although Poland remains one of Ukraine's strongest supporters in its war against Russia, public attitudes towards Ukraine have become increasingly negative in recent years. The shift in sentiment has been driven by fatigue over the arrival of refugees, disagreements over grain imports and lingering disputes linked to the World War Two era killings of Poles by Ukrainian nationalist groups. Despite the latest diplomatic row, Poland has remained a key ally of Ukraine throughout more than four years of war, hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees and serving as a major transit hub for Western military and humanitarian assistance.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle after Zelensky approved the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist group blamed for massacres of Poles during World War II.

Poland strips Zelensky of top state award, Ukraine mounts a sharp response

A female doctor in Poland was taken into custody after 34 human fetuses were found buried in her garden at the former home, the officials said on Monday. The doctor, identified as Magdalena H., a 57-year-old medical pathologist having no previous criminal record, is suspected of using the foetuses to perform experiments, resulting in her now facing up to 12 years in prison. The case has sparked widespread controversy in predominantly Catholic Poland, with many people questioning how the doctor was able to obtain the remains of unborn babies in a country known for having some of Europe's toughest abortion regulations. However, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said investigators have found so far no evidence that the foetuses were linked through illegal abortions. The charges against the doctor include desecrating human remains, improper disposal of medical waste, and leaving hazardous materials in an unauthorised location. Last week, officials launched an investigation after medical waste was reportedly uncovered during construction work at her former residence in the southeastern village of Lutoryz.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-keir-starmer-to-bar-all-under-16s-from-major-social-media-platforms-1781508860388">UK government to bar all under-16s from major social media platforms, Keir Starmer announces</a><h3>Foetuses used for research purposes</h3>A large-scale search operation involving dozens of police officers, sniffer dogs, and ground-penetrating radar led to the discovery of at least 34 foetuses buried in the property's garden. According to Krzysztof Ciechanowski, spokesperson for the District Prosecutor's Office in Rzeszów, the biological material was likely used by the detained woman for research purposes.&nbsp;According to AFP, Poland's Radio Eska, Magdalena H. had omitted the foetuses amid the Covid-19 pandemic from a hospital in Rzeszow where she worked in order to conduct experiments at home. Along with the bodies, tens of thousands of microscope slides, "fragments of documentation", and paraffin blocks were discovered during the search. The doctor was arrested on Friday and placed in pre-trial detention for three months. During a court hearing, she denied the charges but acknowledged that she had transported and buried the human foetuses discovered on her property, along with other medical waste, according to the prosecutor's spokesperson. Investigators have not yet established the identities of the foetuses, and authorities are still examining whether Magdalena H., whose surname has not been disclosed in line with Polish privacy regulations, acted independently or with the involvement of others.

The charges against Poland female doctor include desecrating human remains, improper disposal of medical waste, and leaving hazardous materials in an unauthorised location.

A female doctor in Poland was taken into custody after 34 human fetuses were found buried in her garden at the former home, the officials said on Monday. The doctor, identified as Magdalena H., a 57-year-old medical pathologist having no previous criminal record, is suspected of using the foetuses to perform experiments, resulting in her now facing up to 12 years in prison. The case has sparked widespread controversy in predominantly Catholic Poland, with many people questioning how the doctor was able to obtain the remains of unborn babies in a country known for having some of Europe's toughest abortion regulations. However, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said investigators have found so far no evidence that the foetuses were linked through illegal abortions. The charges against the doctor include desecrating human remains, improper disposal of medical waste, and leaving hazardous materials in an unauthorised location. Last week, officials launched an investigation after medical waste was reportedly uncovered during construction work at her former residence in the southeastern village of Lutoryz. Also read: UK government to bar all under-16s from major social media platforms, Keir Starmer announces Foetuses used for research purposes A large-scale search operation involving dozens of police officers, sniffer dogs, and ground-penetrating radar led to the discovery of at least 34 foetuses buried in the property's garden. According to Krzysztof Ciechanowski, spokesperson for the District Prosecutor's Office in Rzeszów, the biological material was likely used by the detained woman for research purposes. According to AFP, Poland's Radio Eska, Magdalena H. had omitted the foetuses amid the Covid-19 pandemic from a hospital in Rzeszow where she worked in order to conduct experiments at home. Along with the bodies, tens of thousands of microscope slides, "fragments of documentation", and paraffin blocks were discovered during the search. The doctor was arrested on Friday and placed in pre-trial detention for three months. During a court hearing, she denied the charges but acknowledged that she had transported and buried the human foetuses discovered on her property, along with other medical waste, according to the prosecutor's spokesperson. Investigators have not yet established the identities of the foetuses, and authorities are still examining whether Magdalena H., whose surname has not been disclosed in line with Polish privacy regulations, acted independently or with the involvement of others.

The charges against Poland female doctor include desecrating human remains, improper disposal of medical waste, and leaving hazardous materials in an unauthorised location.

Thirty-four human foetuses found in garden of Polish female doctor's, probe underway

Russia has warned of possible retaliation over the deployment of U.S. troops in Poland, escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO. The warning comes amid growing military activity in Eastern Europe and rising concerns over regional security and geopolitical confrontation.

Russia Threatens Retaliation Over U.S. Troop Deployment In Poland 

Bugging devices were detected&nbsp;and removed in a room where top Polish ministers, including the prime minister, were due to&nbsp;hold a meeting&nbsp;on Tuesday (May 7).&nbsp;Normally, the weekly cabinet minister&nbsp;is held&nbsp;at the&nbsp;PM's&nbsp;office in Warsaw&nbsp;but&nbsp;Tuesday's&nbsp;meeting was relocated to the southern city of Katowice as key ministers were already present in the&nbsp;city&nbsp;for a major conference. Just&nbsp;ahead of&nbsp;the meeting,&nbsp;Poland's&nbsp;State Protection Service spotted the bugging devices during a regular security check. The development comes amid Poland emerging as a hub of spying activity as it becomes a channel for Western military aid to Ukraine.

Polish authorities are now determining who planted the devices there and whether any foreign hand was involved.&nbsp;

“The State Protection Service, in co-operation with the Internal Security Agency, detected and dismantled devices that could be used for eavesdropping,"&nbsp;wrote security services spokesman Jacek Dobrzynski on X.&nbsp;"The services are carrying out further activities in this matter."

Following&nbsp;the removal of&nbsp;the bugging devices, the cabinet meeting went ahead as planned.

Warsaw is concerned about increased espionage activities in the country. On Monday (May 6),&nbsp;it was reported&nbsp;that a Polish judge was seeking refuge in Belarus, a key Russian ally.

Tomasz Szmydt, a judge at the Voivodship Administrative Court in Warsaw, said in a conference at Minsk that his decision to leave Poland was because of&nbsp;Poland’s&nbsp;“harmful”&nbsp; policy towards Belarus and Russia that could result in armed conflict between the countries.

Now,&nbsp;investigators are worried the judge could&nbsp;be carrying&nbsp;confidential documents with him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiM0_PUi_yFAxUa4DgGHT0YALAQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-joins-germany-in-accusing-russia-of-cyberattacks-says-was-targeted-too-718043" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-joins-germany-in-accusing-russia-of-cyberattacks-says-was-targeted-too-718043&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiM0_PUi_yFAxUa4DgGHT0YALAQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Poland joins Germany, Czech Republic in accusing Russia of cyberattacks, says ‘was targeted too’</a>

Commenting on the affair, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on X:&nbsp;“A traitor. The only question is since when.”

Prime Minister Donald Tusk will now hold a meeting on Wednesday (May 8) to discuss the potential Russian and Belarusian influence in Polish politics in recent years.

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“We must be aware that services, in this case Belarusian ones, worked with a person who had direct access to the minister of justice… who had access to various classified documents to which no intelligence service should have had access,”&nbsp;the prime minister told a news conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bugging devices were detected and removed in a room where top Polish ministers, including the prime minister, were due to hold a meeting on Tuesday (May 7). Normally, the weekly cabinet minister is held at the PM's office in Warsaw but Tuesday's meeting was relocated to the southern city of Katowice as key ministers were already present in the city for a major conference.

Bugging devices were detected and removed in a room where top Polish ministers, including the prime minister, were due to hold a meeting on Tuesday (May 7). Normally, the weekly cabinet minister is held at the PM's office in Warsaw but Tuesday's meeting was relocated to the southern city of Katowice as key ministers were already present in the city for a major conference. Just ahead of the meeting, Poland's State Protection Service spotted the bugging devices during a regular security check. The development comes amid Poland emerging as a hub of spying activity as it becomes a channel for Western military aid to Ukraine. Polish authorities are now determining who planted the devices there and whether any foreign hand was involved. “The State Protection Service, in co-operation with the Internal Security Agency, detected and dismantled devices that could be used for eavesdropping," wrote security services spokesman Jacek Dobrzynski on X. "The services are carrying out further activities in this matter." Following the removal of the bugging devices, the cabinet meeting went ahead as planned. Warsaw is concerned about increased espionage activities in the country. On Monday (May 6), it was reported that a Polish judge was seeking refuge in Belarus, a key Russian ally. Tomasz Szmydt, a judge at the Voivodship Administrative Court in Warsaw, said in a conference at Minsk that his decision to leave Poland was because of Poland’s “harmful” policy towards Belarus and Russia that could result in armed conflict between the countries. Now, investigators are worried the judge could be carrying confidential documents with him. Also read: Poland joins Germany, Czech Republic in accusing Russia of cyberattacks, says ‘was targeted too’ Commenting on the affair, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on X: “A traitor. The only question is since when.” Prime Minister Donald Tusk will now hold a meeting on Wednesday (May 8) to discuss the potential Russian and Belarusian influence in Polish politics in recent years. Also read: Poland `ready` to have nuclear weapons on its territory: President Andrzej Duda “We must be aware that services, in this case Belarusian ones, worked with a person who had direct access to the minister of justice… who had access to various classified documents to which no intelligence service should have had access,” the prime minister told a news conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Bugging devices found in room where top Polish ministers were about to hold meeting

Thousands of people took to the streets of Poland to protest against a near-total ban on abortion, which came into force on Thursday.

Thousands protest as abortion law comes into effect in Poland

Massive protests broke out in Polish cities shortly after the country's top court confirmed its highly divisive ruling that will further tighten the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict anti-abortion law.

Protesters in the capital Warsaw lit red flares, waved rainbow flags associated with LGBT community and brandished placards reading "This Means War" and "Free Choice, Not Terror".

Many also held up the red lightning symbol used by pro-choice activists as they brought traffic to a halt.

The ruling is supported by Poland's right-wing and ultra-Catholic government, which said it was giving it legal force by publishing it in the Journal of Laws in order to respect its constitutional obligations.

The government said that step opens the way for the verdict to be officially published. That means abortions will only be permitted in cases of rape, incest and when a mother's life is endangered.&nbsp;

Predominantly Catholic Poland already has one of Europe's most restrictive laws on abortion.

There are fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year and women's groups estimate that an additional 200,000 women abort either illegally or abroad.

Borys Budka, head of the opposition Civic Platform, said the publication of the ruling was a "provocation".

Wanda Nowicka of the Left party tweeted: "You have not yet won this war against women and you will not win."

The government had delayed publishing the ruling after nationwide demonstrations held in defiance of coronavirus restrictions banning rallies.

The protests sparked by the abortion ruling, many of them led by teens, soon became an expression of wider anti-government sentiment.

The biggest protests brought together tens of thousands of people in what organisers said was a generational "revolution" against the status quo, including against Poland's Catholic hierarchy.

But polling experts say that a "silent majority" of Poles support the existing abortion legislation and only a small number want wider abortion rights.

The government has defended the verdict, saying it will halt "eugenic abortions", referring to the termination of foetuses diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, but human rights groups have said it will force women to carry non-viable pregnancies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Massive protests broke out in Polish cities shortly after the country's top court confirmed its highly divisive ruling that will further tighten the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict anti-abortion law.

Massive protests broke out in Polish cities shortly after the country's top court confirmed its highly divisive ruling that will further tighten the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict anti-abortion law. Protesters in the capital Warsaw lit red flares, waved rainbow flags associated with LGBT community and brandished placards reading "This Means War" and "Free Choice, Not Terror". Many also held up the red lightning symbol used by pro-choice activists as they brought traffic to a halt. The ruling is supported by Poland's right-wing and ultra-Catholic government, which said it was giving it legal force by publishing it in the Journal of Laws in order to respect its constitutional obligations. The government said that step opens the way for the verdict to be officially published. That means abortions will only be permitted in cases of rape, incest and when a mother's life is endangered. Predominantly Catholic Poland already has one of Europe's most restrictive laws on abortion. There are fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year and women's groups estimate that an additional 200,000 women abort either illegally or abroad. Borys Budka, head of the opposition Civic Platform, said the publication of the ruling was a "provocation". Wanda Nowicka of the Left party tweeted: "You have not yet won this war against women and you will not win." The government had delayed publishing the ruling after nationwide demonstrations held in defiance of coronavirus restrictions banning rallies. The protests sparked by the abortion ruling, many of them led by teens, soon became an expression of wider anti-government sentiment. The biggest protests brought together tens of thousands of people in what organisers said was a generational "revolution" against the status quo, including against Poland's Catholic hierarchy. But polling experts say that a "silent majority" of Poles support the existing abortion legislation and only a small number want wider abortion rights. The government has defended the verdict, saying it will halt "eugenic abortions", referring to the termination of foetuses diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, but human rights groups have said it will force women to carry non-viable pregnancies. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland abortion law: Protesters take to streets again as near-total ban comes into force

The protests coincided with the 102 anniversary of Polish women gaining voting rights in the country.

People rally against abortion ban In Poland on women's vote anniversary

Thousands of activists disrupted church services across Poland on Sunday (October 25), chanting during mass and hanging abortion posters on church bulletin boards in protest against a court ruling that amounts to a near-total ban on abortion.

Polish protesters target church masses over near-total abortion ban

Poland's Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Thursday that abortion due to foetal defects was unconstitutional, banning the most common of the few legal grounds for pregnancy termination in the predominantly Catholic country.

After the ruling goes into effect, abortion will only be permissible in&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;in the case of rape, incest, or a threat to the mother's health and life, which make up only around 2 per cent&nbsp;of legal terminations conducted in recent years.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abortion-due-to-foetal-defects-termed-legal-in-poland-337389/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The development pushes&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;further away from the European mainstream, as the only EU country apart from tiny Malta to severely restrict access to abortion.

Women's rights groups reacted with dismay and Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic called it a "sad day for women's rights."

"Removing the basis for almost all legal abortions in&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;amounts to a ban and violates human rights. Today's ruling of the Constitutional Court means underground/abroad abortions for those who can afford and even greater ordeal for all others," Mijatovic wrote.

Conservative values have played a growing role in public life in&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;since the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) came into power five years ago on a promise to defend what it sees as the nation's traditional, Catholic character.

Curbing access to abortion has been a long-standing ambition of the party, but it has stepped back from previous legislative proposals amid a widespread public backlash.

Critics say the Constitutional Tribunal may have acted on the party's behalf. While the Tribunal is nominally independent, most of its judges have been appointed by PiS. The party denies trying to influence the court.

Poland's Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Thursday that abortion due to foetal defects was unconstitutional, banning the most common of the few legal grounds for pregnancy termination in the predominantly Catholic country.

Poland's Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Thursday that abortion due to foetal defects was unconstitutional, banning the most common of the few legal grounds for pregnancy termination in the predominantly Catholic country. After the ruling goes into effect, abortion will only be permissible in Poland in the case of rape, incest, or a threat to the mother's health and life, which make up only around 2 per cent of legal terminations conducted in recent years. The development pushes Poland further away from the European mainstream, as the only EU country apart from tiny Malta to severely restrict access to abortion. Women's rights groups reacted with dismay and Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic called it a "sad day for women's rights." "Removing the basis for almost all legal abortions in Poland amounts to a ban and violates human rights. Today's ruling of the Constitutional Court means underground/abroad abortions for those who can afford and even greater ordeal for all others," Mijatovic wrote. Conservative values have played a growing role in public life in Poland since the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) came into power five years ago on a promise to defend what it sees as the nation's traditional, Catholic character. Curbing access to abortion has been a long-standing ambition of the party, but it has stepped back from previous legislative proposals amid a widespread public backlash. Critics say the Constitutional Tribunal may have acted on the party's behalf. While the Tribunal is nominally independent, most of its judges have been appointed by PiS. The party denies trying to influence the court.

Poland abortion: Apex court bans almost all terminations

Poland's constitutional tribunal has ruled that abortion due to foetal defects will now be unconstitutional. Banning the most common of the few legal grounds for pregnancy termination in the pre-dominantly catholic country.

Abortion due to foetal defects termed unconstitutional in Poland

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van.

The activist, who was referred to officially in court as Michal Sz. but who identifies as a woman with the name Margo, is suspected of causing criminal damage to a van carrying homophobic slogans in Warsaw in June.

The activist is also accused of pushing a volunteer from the Pro-Right to Life Foundation which owned the van.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lgbt-activist-jailed-for-two-months-in-poland-protests-ensue-318963">LGBT activist jailed for two months in Poland, protests ensue</a>

Margo was detained at the offices of Campaign Against Homophobia but dozens of protesters then blocked the police car, prompting a stand-off before officers cleared the way to allow it to pass.

"During the arrest of the activist, the crowd impeded the actions of the police. Interventions are being made against the most aggressive people. There will be zero tolerance for breaking the law," Warsaw police wrote on Twitter.

"Due to yesterday's active gathering, 48 people were detained," they added. Warsaw police force&nbsp;later said they had made arrests.

Members of the anti-homophobia group "Stop Bzdurom" have said they hung flag on statues of Jesus and other figures last week as part of a fight for LGBT rights, an issue thrust into the heart of public debate in Poland during last month's presidential election.

The ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has said LGBT rights are part of what it calls an invasive foreign ideology that undermines Polish values and the traditional family.

Government spokesman Piotr Muller said he would not comment on police actions.

Stop Bzdurom and other groups have called for a protest in Warsaw on Saturday in solidarity with LGBT people.

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van.

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van. The activist, who was referred to officially in court as Michal Sz. but who identifies as a woman with the name Margo, is suspected of causing criminal damage to a van carrying homophobic slogans in Warsaw in June. The activist is also accused of pushing a volunteer from the Pro-Right to Life Foundation which owned the van. Also read: LGBT activist jailed for two months in Poland, protests ensue Margo was detained at the offices of Campaign Against Homophobia but dozens of protesters then blocked the police car, prompting a stand-off before officers cleared the way to allow it to pass. "During the arrest of the activist, the crowd impeded the actions of the police. Interventions are being made against the most aggressive people. There will be zero tolerance for breaking the law," Warsaw police wrote on Twitter. "Due to yesterday's active gathering, 48 people were detained," they added. Warsaw police force later said they had made arrests. Members of the anti-homophobia group "Stop Bzdurom" have said they hung flag on statues of Jesus and other figures last week as part of a fight for LGBT rights, an issue thrust into the heart of public debate in Poland during last month's presidential election. The ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has said LGBT rights are part of what it calls an invasive foreign ideology that undermines Polish values and the traditional family. Government spokesman Piotr Muller said he would not comment on police actions. Stop Bzdurom and other groups have called for a protest in Warsaw on Saturday in solidarity with LGBT people.

Poland LGBT protests: Police detain 48 people amid crackdown on activists

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