Meeks Statement on Poland's Legislative Act on the Institute of National Remembrance
"I fear that this law is a symptom of a larger assault on democratic institutions in Poland, including the judiciary, free press, and civil society..."
Meeks Statement on Poland's Legislative Act on the Institute of National Remembrance
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, today released the following statement, regarding Poland's new law on national memory and the Holocaust:
"I am disheartened that President Duda signed the new censorship law, which will have the effect of whitewashing history and curbing discussion about the Holocaust. In free societies, dialogue and honest exchange without censorship is critical. This law undermines that effort. Furthermore, I fear that this law is a symptom of a larger assault on democratic institutions in Poland, including the judiciary, free press, and civil society.
"Poland remains a strong NATO ally and a valued member of the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. In this spirit, I second the State Department's concern over the repercussions of the legislation, namely on the strategic relationships between Poland and the United States, Ukraine, and Israel.
"The Polish people suffered immensely at the hands of competing powers during the bloody 20th century in Europe. Despite invasions and occupations, Poland emerged strong, independent, and democratic; a leading voice in a united Europe. I look forward to raising awareness in Congress about Poland, its people, and the country's importance to the transatlantic relationship."