Polish investigators inspected Lech Wałęsa’s wife, Danuta, in Gdańsk on the 45th anniversary of the August 1980 events, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
August 1980 Observances
On August 31, two separate ceremonies marked the 45th anniversary of the August 1980 agreements. The first was organized by Solidarność, while the second by Gdańsk authorities and the European Solidarity Centre. Karol Nawrocki and Andrzej Duda attended the Solidarność event at the Gdańsk Shipyard’s BHP Hall, while Danuta Wałęsa participated in the Gdańsk Gate event.
SOP Security Measures Criticized
Polish authorities cordoned off Solidarności Square and conducted security checks for individuals attempting to reach the shipyard gate, led by Service for Protection of the State (SOP) officials. Opposition leader Piotr Adamowicz posted a photo on Facebook showing SOP checks, including Danuta Wałęsa.
SOP Apology
The SOP issued a statement about the checks: “We ensure security for the country’s most important people and conduct pyrotechnical checks. Due to the commemoration of August 1980, SOP conducted checks on First Lady Danuta Wałęsa. Organizers were responsible for guest access, but the organizer representative was not present at the time. Following security protocols, SOP conducted a pyrotechnical check on Ms. Danuta.”
