“We are not revolutionaries, revolutionaries are those who destroy order and seek to forcibly impose their agenda,” KOD leader Mateusz Kijowski said in his address to demonstrators in Warsaw.
“We want to preserve democracy and our freedom,” he added.
Saturday's protests, which began at midday, were held under the slogan 'In Defence of your Freedom', in reference to new legislation passed in parliament on surveillance.
They follow demonstrations against reforms of the judiciary, public media and the civil service, created by the governing Law and Justice party, which won the 25 October general election.
“Our privacy is threatened, we could be tracked, and put under surveillance both in our homes and on the internet,” Kijowski said.
“Our telephone calls can be tapped without any kind of court procedure.
“This is yet another form of violating our freedom,” he said.
Demonstrators in Kraków, Saturday 23 January. Photo: Radio Poland/N.Hodge
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski has published a lengthy article in leading European newspapers, following the opening of an inquiry into the rule of law in Poland instigated by the European Commission.
Waszczykowski endeavoured to calm the atmosphere surrounding his newly-elected party, stating that “democracy in Poland is not under threat, nor are we turning our back on Europe.” (nh/pk)
Saturday's protests, which begin at midday, are being held under the slogan 'In Defence of your Freedom.'
Following demonstations against controversial reforms of the judiciary, public media and the civil service the latest protests are focused on legislation passed in parliament on surveillance.
- See more at: http://www.thenews.pl/1/9/Artykul/237742,Antigovernment-protests-renewed-in-Poland#sthash.6tRKELRh.dpuf