Dozens of protesters attacked police in Warsaw during Poland’s Independence Day celebrations on Friday.

210 people were arrested, many of them were anarchists from Germany.

The demonstration by far-right groups was countered by a peaceful march of some 300 left-wing protesters, who held anti-capitalist banners and chanted slogans.

The violence happened despite an earlier call for calm by President Bronisław Komorowski.

“Let’s not tell people how to love Poland, let’s not celebrate Independence Day by fighting, let’s celebrate it together,” he said in a speech.

November 11, 2011 marks the 93rd anniversary since Poland regained its independence after 123 years of foreign rule by Russia, Austria and Prussia.

Forty police officers were injured and 14 patrol cars damaged during the disturbances. Twenty nine people were treated in hospitals. A transmission van from the TVN television station was set on fire and a Polish Radio vehicle was stoned by nationalists.

Polish prosecutors have filed criminal charges against 46 people suspected of attacking police.

The charges come as Polish authorities have moved quickly to put on trial some of the 210 people arrested in Friday’s attacks. Officials are taking a tough stance against violence before the Euro 2012 soccer championships next year.

Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)

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