Polish cyclist beaten in Czechia after attackers mistake Silesian hat for Ukrainian colours

Assault during charity bike ride

Kuba Heisig, a resident of Chorzow, was attacked in the Czech city of Ostrava on Friday evening during a charity cycling tour titled Rajza dla Marceliny. Heisig set out from the Chorzow market square on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, intending to ride more than 800 kilometres on a cargo bike along the borders of Upper Silesia. The expedition was organized to raise funds and public awareness for his 30-year-old partner, Marcelina, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer while pregnant with their fourth child.

The ride ended on its third day when three men attacked Heisig in central Ostrava. The assailants knocked him to the ground, kicked him, and punched him in the face after attempting to take his yellow and blue hat. Heisig suffered facial bruising and nasal pain before being transported to a hospital for examination. The incident was subsequently reported to the Czech police.

Mistaken regional identity

The attackers targeted Heisig after mistaking the yellow and blue Upper Silesian regional colours on his headwear for the national flag of Ukraine. The hat carried the inscription "GORNY SLONSK", yet the three Polish assailants accused him of being Ukrainian and shouted nationalistic slurs, calling him a Ukrainian and a Banderite. Heisig explained that the attackers attempted to forcibly seize the hat before resorting to physical violence.

It happened too fast. It started because they wanted to steal that little hat. It was supposed to be a theft of colours, and because I did not let them take it from me, the beating started, knocking me to the ground and kicking. I managed to hide it, and that is why I got beaten up.

Heisig also commented on the initial law enforcement reaction in Ostrava.

The Czech police rather downplayed it. For them, it was another ordinary fight.

Medical fundraiser for Marcelina

The journey aimed to secure financial support for Marcelina, a volunteer and mother of three who is currently undergoing chemotherapy during her fourth pregnancy. The oncological treatment has caused severe complications, including thrombosis and extreme exhaustion, leaving her unable to work. Heisig had also reduced his working hours to care for his partner and their children.

The initiative sought 300,000 Polish zlotys on the pomagam.pl platform to cover non-reimbursed oncological medications, supportive therapy, medical nutrition, vitamins, travel expenses to specialized clinics, and household costs including rent and utility bills. Following public reaction to the assault, donations increased rapidly. By Sunday, 13 September 2026, the campaign had collected over 526,000 zlotys.

Aftermath and regional education

Following the assault, Cargo Familia, an initiative run by the couple promoting car-free transport, confirmed that the remainder of the 800-kilometre bicycle tour had been called off to protect Heisig from further strain. Marcelina expressed her appreciation for the public support on the fundraising page.

I want to return to my children. I want to have strength again for ordinary days. For laughter, hugging, the bicycle, the tent, and our small family adventures.

Heisig stated that he intends to direct future public activity toward regional education to prevent similar misunderstandings regarding Upper Silesian symbols.