Declaration by the Polish PEN Club
We demand that force be discontinued immediately against participants of peaceful demonstrations that take place across the country. In accordance with the law in force, citizens can manifest their views and participate in congregation even in the conditions of an epidemic. The police's statutory duty is to ensure safety and protection of demonstrators.
We demand that those officers who have committed the illegal use of force against demonstrators and detained be held accountable and punished by their superiors. It is unacceptable to use state police and other armed organizations as a tool for party politics. The use against vulnerable demonstrators of masked police provocateurs and paramilitary militia is unacceptable. Calling for use in the name of defending allegedly threatened national or religious values is calling for crime.
Further escalation of violence at the order or call of power can lead to tragedy, to well memorable in the history of the PRL. They can easily happen again today.