Polish officials commemorated the 14th anniversary of the Smolensk air disaster in Russia, facing disruptions from protesters displaying anti-Polish slogans.
Polish Delegation Commemorates Victims
Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski and a delegation from the Polish embassy, along with representatives of the Polish diaspora, participated in ceremonies at the Polish War Cemetery in Katyn and at the site of the Smolensk crash.
The embassy reported that the commemoration took place “in an atmosphere of solemnity” despite attempts to disrupt it.
Disruptions by Anti-Polish Activists
“Activists” voiced anti-Polish slogans near the cemetery, attempting to undermine the solemnity of the occasion and historical truth regarding the tragedy, according to the embassy.
Wreaths Laid and Prayers Offered
Ambassador Krajewski laid a wreath and lit a symbolic candle at the Polish War Cemetery, where attendees jointly prayed for the murdered prisoners. He also laid white and red wreaths at the memorial wall bearing the names of thousands of Polish officers.
Wreaths and candles were also placed at the Smolensk crash site, where the names of all 96 victims were read aloud.
Polish Commemorations in Warsaw
In Poland, President Karol Nawrocki and PiS politicians, including party leader Jarosław Kaczyński, participated in a Remembrance Appeal before the Presidential Palace in Warsaw and laid wreaths at Piłsudski Square, commemorating the victims of the 2010 tragedy and President Lech Kaczyński.
A discussion about the anniversary of the Smolensk disaster was also held on the WPolsce24 television channel, marked by heated debate and criticism of the current government.
Cause of the Smolensk Air Disaster
The report states that the direct cause of the April 10, 2010, crash was descending below the minimum descent altitude (100m) at excessive speed, combined with unfavorable weather conditions.
The Miller Commission concluded that the Tupolev pilots violated safety procedures, leading to a collision with trees, the detachment of the left wing, loss of control, and ultimately, impact with the ground.
