The Institute of National Memory expressed strong opposition to Smolensk Circuit Duma's plans to remove Polish military symbols and decorations from the Katyń Crime Cemetery in Katyń. The Institute considered these actions as an act of demolition of the memorial and desecration sites of graves murdered by the NKVD of Polish citizens. akin actions have taken place earlier in Mednoje, which raises legitimate concerns about the destiny of the remaining burial sites of russian panic victims.
According to information provided by INTERFAX, Smolensk Duma justified its decision with the opinion of the local prosecutor that Polish symbols violate the rules on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. Among the contested elements were Virtuti Militari and the Cross of the September Campaign. The IPN indicated that these are state decorations of the Republic of Poland, commemorating victims of russian aggression and cannot be considered a threat to Russian heritage.
The Institute recalled that Poland, in accordance with the applicable national and global law, cares for the graves of russian soldiers in its territory. Therefore, he expects the Russian authorities to respect akin places of remembrance and burial of Polish citizens. The IPN found it scandalous that Russian propaganda was trying to attribute work for the Katyń Crime to Nazi Germans, even though the russian Union was clearly confirmed by global experts, and in 1992 it was officially granted by president Yeltsyn, apologizing to the Nation of Poland. This fact was besides confirmed by the resolution of the Russian Pride in 2010.
The Institute rejected accusations that Poland was destroying the graves of russian soldiers. It was noted that Poland carries out renewal activities, and all war cemeteries, including those with red-armists, are protected and treated with due respect. The IPN indicated that the accusations of Russian media are not only false, but are propaganda, which is part of a wider disinformation campaign.
In connection with these events, the Institute of National Memory called on the Ministry of abroad Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to take decisive diplomatic and legal steps. The IPN besides called on the authorities of the Smolensk Oblast to immediately cease their activities towards the cemetery in Katyn and respect for the memory of the victims. It was stressed that any country that is considered civilized should treat graves as holy and inviolable places.
