CP of Greece, DELEGATION OF THE KKE IN THE EP, PRESS RELEASE: Accomplice and provocatively co-responsible the EU in the anti-communist spree in Poland

8/6/18 2:01 PM
  • Greece, Communist Party of Greece En Europe Communist and workers' parties

The delegation of the KKE in the European Parliament denounced the prosecutions and trials against cadres and members of the Communist Party of Poland for spreading their ideas through the «Brzask» newspaper, which are continuing, the prosecution against a professor who organized -on the anniversary days for the 200 years since the birth of K. Marx-a conference on Marxism at the University of Szczecin as well as a ban on Communist symbols from the Polish authorities. The European Commissionin its answer to the question of the MEP of KKE Sotiris Zarianopoulos, while in other cases it appears to be talkative, leaves provocatively without comment the anti-communist spree in Poland. It refers hypocritically to the fact that the so-called "EU Charter of Fundamental Rights" is not respected when it is known that with the “Charter” in force Communist Parties in EU Member States are forbidden, cadres are being prosecuted,dragged to trials, the communist symbols are prohibited. What is once again proven by this EU cynical response is that it, together with its governments, is co-responsible and accomplice of this anti-communist spree not only in Poland but also in its other Member States.

The Communist Party of Greece expresses its firm solidarity to the Communist Party of Poland and calls on to the reinforcement of the struggle against the anti-communist prosecutions, the authoritarianism and the abolition of the right to spread the ideas, the political expression and the action of the communists.

Follows the question of the Delegation of the KKE in the EP and the reply of the Commission:

Question:

“After banning communist symbols and prosecuting and putting on trial members of the rank and file of the Polish Communist Party for disseminating their ideas through the ‘Brzask’ newspaper — measures which are still ongoing — the Polish authorities have initiated the prosecution of a professor who, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx, held a conference on Marxism at the University of Szczecin. This new prosecution is unacceptable. Brandishing a mandate from the public prosecutor, the police invaded the conference being held on the university's premises, seeking, as they claimed, evidence to substantiate the provocative charge of ‘promoting totalitarianism.’

With this fresh act of persecution, the Polish Government is continuing the anti-communist frenzy being whipped up by the EU and the governments of other countries, while pursuing attacks on workers’ rights.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

What view does it take of the provocative prosecutions and trials on trumped up charges initiated by the Polish authorities which in effect deny the Polish Communist Party the right to exchange ideas and engage in political expression and action?”

 

 

Reply:

Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association are fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The Commission, within its competences, ensures that fundamental rights as provided by the Charter are respected.

However, according to Article 51(1) of the Charter, its provisions are addressed to Member States only when they implement EC law. It does not appear that the provisions of the Charter are applicable in the case referred to by the Honourable Member.”

 

02/08/2018                                                                                         DELEGATION OF THE KKE IN THE EP