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Jerzy Popieluszko was a charismatic priest that was first sent to strikers in the Warsaw Steelworks. Since then he was associated with workers and trade unionists from Solidarity movement who opposed the Communist regime in Poland.
He was an adamant anti-communist and his sermons were rather like political speeches criticizing the system and motivating people to protest. The Catholic Church was during the martial law the only force that could more openly voice the protest. It was possible in churches during masses.
Popieluszko's sermons became famous throughout Poland for their uncompromising stance against the regime. The Security Forces tried to silence or intimidate him. When it did not work they fabricated evidence against him and he was arrested in 1983 but soon released on intervention of the clergy and pardoned by an amnesty.
It is said that a car accident was set up to kill Jerzy Popieluszko on October 13, 1984 but he escaped it. The alternative plan was to kidnap him and it was carried out on October 19, 1984. The priest was beaten, tortured and murdered by three Security Police officers. His body was dumped into the Vistula Water Reservoir near Wloclawek where it was recovered on October 30October 30 is the 303rd day of the year (304th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 62 days remaining. Events 1470 Henry VI of England returns to the throne after Earl of Warwick defeats Yorkists in battle. 1831 In Southampton County, Virginia,, 1984.
The news of the political murder caused an uproar throughout Poland and the murderers and one of their superiors were convicted of the crime. Despite of the murder and its repercussions the Communist regime was in power until 19891989 is a common year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar). Events January January 7 Akihito becomes Emperor of Japan following the death of Hirohito. The Heisei period begins January 8 the Kegworth Air Disaster A British Midland Boeing 737 cra.
Interview with Popieluszko for BBC, on September 1984
Popieluszko, Jerzy Popieluszko, Jerzy Popieluszko, Jerzy