1981 Martial law in Poland

35 years ago, on December 13, 1981, the first secretary of the Central Committee of the PUWP, head of government and Minister of Defense, General Wojciech Jaruzelski, introduced martial law in Poland. A day before the declaration of martial law, Jaruzelsky warned Moscow about this and received approval for his actions. More than 3,000 activists from the Solidarity trade union and other opposition organizations were arrested, including Solidarity leader Lech Walesa. Strikes were banned, and independent trade unions and other organizations were disbanded.

The martial law regime was maintained until July 22, 1983. During its operation, 115 opposition activists were killed during protest demonstrations and clashes with troops and police. But the authorities failed to suppress the democratic movement in the country.