“People are willing to give up a lot in order to be free. And today, TV Republika stands for freedom,” declared Tomasz Sakiewicz, President of TV Republika. His remarks were in response to a spontaneous march organized in defence of the television station, which commenced immediately following the conclusion of celebrations marking the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Poland.
On Saturday, the Great March commemorating the millennium of the Polish Kingdom took place. The event was organized by the Committee for Civic Initiatives of the Millennium Celebrations, led by Professor Andrzej Nowak, Marshal Marek Jurek, and Patryk Jaki.
A sea of white-and-red flags flowed through the streets of Warsaw. Poles from across the country came together for the occasion. Numerous members of the “Gazeta Polska” Clubs were also in attendance. Following speeches delivered at Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy), Adam Borowski, head of the Warsaw branch of the “Gazeta Polska” Club, addressed the gathered crowd.
“I hereby declare this a spontaneous assembly. This is because yesterday the authorities prevented TV Republika from participating in a debate. We are also here to show our support for TV Republika. Do not disperse — the alarm bell is sounding for our homeland. Today, we must ask ourselves whether the great celebration of the Polish Crown will end with this millennium,”
he said.
Sakiewicz: TV Republika Represents Freedom
From Miodowa Street, a spontaneous march proceeded toward the headquarters of TV Republika.
“This was an initiative of the ‘Gazeta Polska’ Clubs. I found out only recently that they had such a plan. The demonstrations held over the past several days in front of the ‘Gazeta Polska’ headquarters inspired others — many of whom arrived in Warsaw for the first time today. They wanted to show they stand with us, that they support freedom of speech, and that they want the hope brought forth by TV Republika to endure,”
Sakiewicz explained.
“People are ready to give up a lot in order to be free. And today, TV Republika means freedom,”
he affirmed.
Why does the government want to shut down TV Republika? “Yesterday we saw how his deputy cowardly avoided the debate at TV Republika. An elderly professor, Mrs Senyszyn — who holds completely different views — came and received applause even though the audience disagreed with her,” Sakiewicz recalled. He added: “They are incapable of governing under democratic conditions — they must suppress freedom of speech!”
In the view of TV Republika’s president, “something has emerged — created by the efforts of the people, by journalists — which has become a powerful social movement.”
Borowski: We Will Defend TV Republika!
Adam Borowski, Chairman of the Warsaw “Gazeta Polska” Club, delivered a speech in front of the station’s headquarters.
“We are together — and that is what matters most. TV Republika is one of the most important values to us. It is our fortress — a bastion of free speech. We will defend it! Tomek (Sakiewicz, the President of TV Republika – ed.) and his entire team are doing everything in their power to make this fortress impregnable, and it is our duty to ensure that it is not overrun. I am truly glad you are here. We will defend TV Republika!”
said Borowski.