On Nov. 29, 11 people were arrested during a protest against a shale gas conference.

We condemn the harsh arrests of activists peacefully protesting against the conference on shale gas. Once again we see how the police needlessly intervene to stop social protests, not refraining themselves when physically handling the protesters. And once again we see how the police conspire to blame the protesters who were subjected to repression and violence.

Such is the role the police play: brutalizing, impeding and arresting protesters who are fighting for social interests. In the meanwhile, they turn a blind eye to mass violence happening around them such as landlord harassment, criminal negligence of bosses and other problems that people have been coming to us with, complaining that the police refuse to do anything to help. In such cases it is clear to everybody whose interests they are working to protect. This is why we say that the state cannot provide solutions for people, because it and the security apparati that protect it is the core of the problem.

We also protest against the increased activity of the shale gas industry, which threatens to cause irreparable damage to the water supply of many people in Poland and poses an imminent danger to public health. Business interests are trying to trick people again, promising them benefits, when the real benefits will only be for corporations.

ZSP Warsaw