Every month, controversial protesters appear on Piłsudski Square in Warsaw during the celebration of the Smolensk monthly event. Jarosław Kaczyński harshly criticizes them, calling them "trash"
Smolensk Monthly – Memorial and Conflict Site
Events commemorating the victims of the Smolensk disaster have divided the Warsaw community for years. On the one hand, it is a celebration attended by families, politicians, and PiS sympathizers. On the other hand, unusual protesters such as Szczurek or Grandma Kasia, appearing regularly to demonstrate opposition to the narrative of tragedy.
Who are "the trash that stands here"?
Jarosław Kaczyński named after the last celebration the countermanager "collective trash after the Security Service" and stated that they should be dealt with by special services. There were also harsh words about "a place in prison" for protesters. Protesters usually shout, "a liar", "a thief", bring cords with offensive slogans and banners, provoke pushes. In this way, they build an atmosphere that is hardly called a peaceful debate or an expression of concern for democracy.
Strange views or public provocation?
Protesters have been repeating the same slogans for years, and their actions increasingly balance the images of the victims' memory at the border. Examples include:
- Wires with the inscription "To Kaczyński, Macerewicz... bullet in the head"
- Smolensk tragedy mocking banners
- Regular interference with celebrations by chanting offensive passwords in megaphones
For many people it may look grotesque – comparable to performer activities that, instead of encouraging reflection, irritate and provoke conflict. This is like a situation when someone throws trash at a monument to get attention – action instead of causing discussion destroys the seriousness of the place.
When a protest loses its meaning
Right to protest is the foundation of democracy. However, manifestations that, instead of substantive arguments, serve offensive gestures, pass into happening damaging memories of the dead and generate unnecessary tensions. Police often intervene, and the cleaning services prevent the submission of provocative wreaths.
Protest or destruction?
Not every protest is good, not every manifestation brings something constructive. When the border is crossed and action becomes a form of public destruction – it is hard to be surprised at the sharp reaction that Jarosław Kaczyński expressed.Smolensk monthly is not a place for happening, laughing and mocking death – sometimes firm words are needed to protect memory of victims from those who want to spit on them.
