We remember the gloomy days of the communist Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era, with its repression apparatus including the Citizens’ Militia (MO) and the Motorised Reserves of the Citizens’ Militia (ZOMO). The fall of that dictatorship and replacing it with a democratic system governed by the rule of law was a landmark historical event for a vast majority of the Polish people. It involved the establishment of a professional, politically neutral police force. Therefore, to protect the rule of law and democracy in Poland, we appeal to the police officers, especially to their commanders, to remember that the police is not a property of one single political party. Moreover, that police officers, similarly to other citizens, are obliged to comply with the Constitution and with the laws which are in accordance with the Constitution.
We paid great attention to the statement of Rafał Jankowski, the President of the General Board of the Police Trade Union, regarding the use of the police in order to gain interim political advantage, the political neutrality of the police and the inadmissibility of involving the police in the political rhetoric.
We are convinced that most of the police officers would not wish for a return to the times of the Citizens’ Militia. We turn to that vast majority with an appeal: we, defenders of the rule of law and of democracy, are at the same time defenders of a professional, politically neutral police.
Meanwhile, we believe that unlawful actions of some police officers towards demonstrating citizens must be explained. It is necessary for the existence of the rule of law.
Including three former Presidents of the Republic of Poland:
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