Poland divided over Lech Wałęsa

Polish politicians and intellectuals have issued a joint appeal defending former Polish President and leader of the Solidarność trade union Lech Wałęsa against accusations that he worked for the secret services under the communist dictatorship. Paweł Lisicki, chief editor of Rzeczpospolita, endorses a counter-appeal by historians and journalists: "It is indeed sad to see so many well-known people joining this campaign - people who once themselves made sacrifices in the battle for freedom of expression and research. ... They no longer want to understand and discuss things, they want to condemn and impose bans. Such reactions are yet another example of how deep-rooted the legacy of the People's Republic is among Poland's elites. As is often the case, people who speak of democracy, transparency in public life and freedom are resorting to undemocratic means now that they see their position under threat. But what is an authority which is based on fear and control worth?"

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