ILPS Europe in solidarity with progressive forces in Poland

ILPS Europe
October 2, 2019

ILPS Europe expresses its full support and solidarity with progressive forces in Poland facing increased repression following the recent implementation of more anti-communist laws. Repression targeting communists has been prevalent in Poland since the fall of the Soviet Union, with communist symbolism banned for ten years now and under the Law and Justice party (PiS) has become more widespread, encompassing and dangerous.

Article 256 formerly named promotion of “totalitarian state systems” is punishable by a fine or restriction or deprivation of liberty. The new amendments define the act of promoting totalitarian ideology (which bafflingly names communism alongside Nazism and fascism) as punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years. These amendments are part of a wider campaign of repressing people’s struggle in Poland; activists aligned with communism or women’s liberation are the biggest targets of this reactionary fascistic repression. Last year, there were 100 cases a week leveled against activists. This included the editorial board of Brzask, the magazine of the Communist Party of Poland (KPP). Additionally, press freedom in general has diminished under the PiS, and a process of regulating and restricting media is underway in Poland.

We condemn the government of Poland’s offensive on communists and activists. We stand in solidarity with the people of Poland struggling for freedom for all people, particularly the KPP who have been weathering this anti-communist campaign for over ten years. The criminalization of communism is an attack against the workers and their rights. It’s the necessary ideological accompaniment to the dismantling of the social achievements that the workers of every European country have snatched from the capitalists in decades of struggle.

Anti-communism is a threat to the freedom and rights of peoples!
No to anti-communism in Europe!