Poles split on whether 1981 martial law was ‘necessary evil’
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
09.12.2011 12:45
Days before the 30th anniversary of the introduction of martial law, a poll finds that 51 percent of Poles believe that the action by the communist regime was justified.
Jaruzelski announces martial law; photo - PAP archives
Some 57 percent of respondents told the TNS/OBOP pollsters that martial law, announced by General Wojciech Jaruzelski on the morning of 13 December 1981, saved Poland from an invasion of Soviet troops.
Nevertheless, 53 percent believe that the aim of the brutal oppression by the communists was to crush Poland's nascent democratic movement.
Some 26 percent of respondents said that those who introduced martial law are due respect for the decision, while the same amount said that they should be condemned.
Meanwhile, 23 percent believe that communist leaders should face trial for crimes against the nation.
In 1991, 28 percent said that the architects of martial law were due respect, 32 percent said they should be condemned, and 19 percent said there should be a trial.
Thousands were imprisoned and approximately 100 killed following the declaration of stan wojenny (literally state of war) on 13 December 1981.
The crackdown came as the Solidarity trade union appeared to be making an unprecedented breakthrough in the communist-ruled Eastern bloc.
In a book released this month General Jaruzelski claimed that the introduction of martial law was a “necessary evil” to head of a Soviet military intervention.
Some 1001 Polish citizens, from 15 years of age and over, took part in the survey. (nh/pg)