Pacification of Wujek, Katowice, Poland - December 16, 1981. First action took by goverment upon the

Pacification of Wujek, Katowice, Poland - December 16, 1981. First action took by goverment upon the Introduction of Martial Law in Poland, December 13, 1981, was arresting main activists of Solidarity movement. This, along with general disagreement on new situation in Poland, spurrged workers to protest at goverments actions. Among many other places this happened also at the „Wujek” coal mine in Katowice. After Jan Ludwiczak, local leader of Solidarity has been arrested, his coworkers decided to stop working unitl he’s been released. Despite support from local community, they weren’t listened to by goverment. Instead, mine was put under the military orders, and in the morning of December 16, militiants and army started the attack. First they were using tear gas, water cannons, bangers, smoke grenades – and tanks. When miners fought them off with tools, a commando force (called ZOMO) entered and opened fire from machine guns. 7 miners were killed on the spot and 2 more died of wounds later. 21 others were injured. That was the end of action, later recognised as the biggest massacre of the Martial Law time in Poland. It was unclear who ordered the use of guns, and so a series of investigations and trials lasting over 30 years began. While there were attempts at covering the story, it still spread wide, shocking the polish society with its bloody outcome. It’s still unconcievable, how could country turn at its own citizens and kill them like that. Names of the fallen: Jan Stawisiński, Joachim Gnida, Józef Czekalski, Krzysztof Giza, Ryszard Gzik, Bogusław Kopczak, Andrzej Pełka, Zbigniew Wilk, Zenon Zając.Sources:Wikipedia: pl engpolish history wikiaMuzeum Kopalni “Wujek”Pictures: 1. Tank at the entrance to KWK “Wujek”, (x)2. Miners carry the body of one of the fallen, (x)3. Pictures of the fallen, (x)4. Memorial spot at the entrance to the mine (x) -- source link

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