Lech Wałęsa has once again published a social media post about Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz. However, as usual, it’s hard to tell exactly what the author meant, and… he even got the name wrong, referring to him as “Centkiewicz.”
As a reminder, in mid-May of this year, a final verdict was issued in the case concerning the protection of personal rights, brought against Lech Wałęsa by Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz. The case involved defamation and false accusations that the historian had allegedly falsified documents related to the TW Bolek (Secret Collaborator “Bolek”) case.
“It was a long trial, almost six years. During that time, Lech Wałęsa repeatedly insulted me, and even threatened to hang me or put me in prison. I couldn’t back down, even though I’ve long followed the principle of not filing lawsuits, even for the gravest insults and idiocies I face,” wrote Prof. Cenckiewicz on x.com at the time.
He added that “Lech Wałęsa’s repeated public claims” that he had allegedly falsified documents related to the secret collaborator of the Security Service known by the pseudonym Bolek “crossed all boundaries, including those of cynicism and hypocrisy.” – I was essentially forced to defend not just myself, but also historical scholarship and the truth – he explained.
But… Wałęsa won’t back down
Lech Wałęsa hasn’t let go. Whenever the opportunity arises, he launches further attacks on Prof. Cenckiewicz. One such instance occurred during the heated “Silni Razem” (“Strong Together“) narrative about the allegedly rigged elections.
Unbelievable – while injured and with some free time, I BROWSED the Internet. They are horribly defaming my biography. There’s a massive amount of disgusting material being produced. One can clearly see that almost all of this barbaric output stems from the works created by Centkiewicz. I swear, everything disgusting Centkiewicz has fabricated into my biography is a made-up lie, which can be disproven point by point. I suggest that those producing it tackle the same topic – but truthfully! – the post begins.
And it gets more “interesting” as it continues:
It is actually more interesting, whereas the disgusting lies that have been created are really the ones that are wild and elaborate. The truth compels me to apologize to Centkiewicz. Until recently, I believed it was Centkiewicz who had invented all these disgusting lies and inserted them into my biography in his works. But now, witnesses to the truth are coming forward. To fight the opposition, the communists created anti-crisis teams – Kiszczak updated them for the fight against Solidarity and to ELIMINATE me. Their methods were deceitful but quite effective. A few of their tactics have been uncovered, and witnesses found. For the fight, a dirty version of my biography was prepared and promoted by a special group of people who inserted themselves into all discussions, pretending to be my acquaintances, neighbors, coworkers – especially targeting tour groups from Gdańsk. They would start off with: “You from Gdańsk, say hi to my former neighbor Wałęsa.” That’s how they quietly promoted my dirty biography, and all the details of it were written in Centkiewicz’s works. The question is – did he know about this scheme?! – writes Wałęsa [original spelling retained].
“The people responsible for my internment suggested to the guards that they also offer me alcohol, hoping to get me addicted and break me. The cunning guards took advantage of this by asking me whether they could withdraw alcohol. I wondered at the time why they were asking me. Now it’s clear – they were reporting that they were getting me addicted. I’m waiting for witnesses to these and similar events to come forward – including the directors of those slanderous pieces about me – and for these more interesting but truthful facts to finally be addressed. LW” – the post concludes.