Polish diplomats in Russia faced disruptions during commemorations marking the 86th anniversary of the Katyn massacre and the 16th anniversary of the Smolensk air disaster.
Polish Embassy Reports Provocations
The Polish Embassy in Moscow reported attempts to disrupt ceremonies commemorating the Katyn massacre and the Smolensk air disaster on Friday, during which Polish diplomats in Russia participated.
Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski and a delegation from the Polish embassy, along with representatives of the Polish diaspora, attended ceremonies at the Polish War Cemetery in Katyn and at the site of the Smolensk crash.
“Activists” Disrupt Cemetery Commemoration
Similar to last year, the commemorations were accompanied by attempts to disrupt the proceedings. A group of “activists” appeared near the cemetery, chanting hostile slogans and attempting to undermine the solemnity of the occasion and historical truth about the crime.
Despite the disruptions caused by the group chanting anti-Polish slogans, the ceremony proceeded with dignity.
Wreaths Laid at Katyn and Smolensk
Ambassador Krajewski laid a wreath and lit a symbolic candle at the Polish War Cemetery, accompanied by embassy staff. Attendees jointly recited a prayer for the murdered prisoners.
The ambassador also laid red and white wreaths at the memorial wall bearing the names of thousands of Polish officers.
Wreaths and candles were also laid at the Smolensk crash site, where the names of all 96 victims were read aloud.
