On 2 August 2012, an anti-abortion rally was held before the entrance to the Woodstock Festival. The local government authorities were advised of the time and venue of the event under the procedure set out in the Assemblies Act. Despite this, Mariusz Dzierżawski, organiser of the rally, was arrested and taken to the police station.
In its letter the Foundation discussed not only the legality of the rally but also the charge pressed against participants of the rally under art. 141 of the Petty Offences Code, a provision that prohibits placing an indecent announcement, inscription or drawing in a public place. In the opinion of the Foundation, the placement of posters displaying controversial contents in that particular place and context was intended to strengthen the presented message and thereby justified.
Furthermore, the HFHR believes that it is important to point out to the fact that the Woodstock Festival is not only a musical event but also a venue of debates on important social issues.
