Dear Prosecutor General,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the charges brought against human rights defenders – Elżbieta, Anna and Joanna - for “offending religious beliefs” in relation to posters depicting the Virgin Mary with a halo around head and shoulders in the rainbow colours of the LGBTI pride flag.

Having, creating or distributing posters such as these, should not be a criminal offense and is protected under the right to freedom of expression.

Elżbieta, Anna and Joanna are now risking up to two years in prison solely from their peaceful activism. The way they are targeted with absurd charges in this case is consistent with a pattern of harassment and intimidation of peaceful activists across Poland.

I therefore urge you to ensure that the charges against the three women activists for “offending religious beliefs” are dropped immediately, and that they can carry out their peaceful activism free from harassment and reprisals by the authorities.

Yours sincerely,