(RFE/RL)
April 26, 2007 -- Poland's first postcommunist prime minister has refused to sign a legally required document declaring whether or not he collaborated with the communist-era secret police.
Poland's PAP news agency quoted Tadeusz Mazowiecki as saying the requirement is "an attempt to humilate people."
Poland previously demanded that government officials comply with so-called lustration laws. But under a law backed by President Lech Kaczynski that came into effect last month, the requirement extends to academics, journalists, lawyers, and many others. Anyone filing a false declaration risks being barred from their profession for 10 years.
Polish EU lawmaker Bronislaw Geremek has also refused to sign the document.
In Strasbourg today, European Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering said that "all legal possibilities" are being examined to ensure that Geremek won't be stripped of his mandate and can continue to work as an EU legislator.
(AFP)
Poland previously demanded that government officials comply with so-called lustration laws. But under a law backed by President Lech Kaczynski that came into effect last month, the requirement extends to academics, journalists, lawyers, and many others. Anyone filing a false declaration risks being barred from their profession for 10 years.
Polish EU lawmaker Bronislaw Geremek has also refused to sign the document.
In Strasbourg today, European Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering said that "all legal possibilities" are being examined to ensure that Geremek won't be stripped of his mandate and can continue to work as an EU legislator.
(AFP)