World leaders send condolences as Poland mourns murdered mayor

Paweł Adamowicz, 53, was attacked and stabbed several times by a 27-year-old knife-wielding man during a high-profile annual charity event on Sunday evening. He died the next day in hospital from severe wounds despite efforts by doctors to save him.

European lawmakers held a minute’s silence in memory of Adamowicz on Monday.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani wrote on Twitter: “His dedication and service to citizens will never be forgotten. Gdańsk must remain a bastion of freedom and solidarity.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, wrote: “Devastating loss for the people of Gdansk, for Mayor Adamowicz’s friends and family and for all of us who value public service, progressive politics and open, accessible democracy. London’s thoughts, prayers and solidarity are with Gdansk on this sad day.”

Among those who paid tribute to Adamowicz were the president of Germany, the Lithuanian prime minister, the British minister for Europe, and the mayors of Vilnius and Milan.

The World Jewish Congress has extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Paweł Adamowicz and his constituents.

The leader of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, said in a statement that “Mayor Adamowicz was a leading voice of opposition against far-right extremism, and a proponent of equal rights and security for all citizens of Poland. He was a true friend of the Jewish community, speaking loudly and clearly against antisemitism in Poland.”

Rallies have been held in a string of cities across Poland in protest against violence and in tribute to the slain mayor.

(mk/gs)