Authorities in Poland are actively exploring avenues for the extradition of Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old former member of a Nazi unit during World War Two, who was recently celebrated in the Canadian Parliament. The controversy erupted after Hunka, a Ukrainian-Canadian, received a standing ovation in the Canadian House of Commons during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Hunka was introduced as a “war hero” by the Speaker of the House, Anthony Rota.
Poland’s education minister, Przemysław Czarnek, expressed his concerns, stating, “In view of the scandalous events in the Canadian Parliament, which involved honoring, in the presence of President Zelenskyy, a member of the criminal Nazi SS Galizien formation, I have taken steps towards the possible extradition of this man to Poland.”
Yaroslav Hunka, a former member of the First Ukrainian Division, also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, fought alongside the German army against the Soviet Union in the Second World War.
In the wake of Hunka’s appearance in Canada’s House of Commons, the Speaker issued an apology for praising him, recognizing the controversy surrounding the incident. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also described it as “deeply embarrassing” to the Parliament of Canada and all Canadians.
This development underscores the complex issues surrounding the legacy of individuals involved in wartime activities and their recognition in contemporary settings.
