A silent tribute stands before us. This is the Ryszard Siwiec 1909-1968 Stele. It commemorates a courageous act. A sacrifice for freedom.
Ryszard Siwiec was a Polish accountant. He was also a former member of the Home Army. He self-immolated in protest. His protest was against the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. This happened in 1968. His act was filmed. The Polish press however ignored the event. The communist authorities successfully suppressed the story. Siwiec’s story remained largely unknown until after the fall of communism.
Siwiec’s meticulously planned act was meant to be witnessed by many. He attended a national harvest festival. This was at Warsaw’s 10th-Anniversary Stadium. He wanted to reach 100000 people. Among them were journalists and Polish United Workers’ Party leaders. He used a flammable solvent. He carried a banner. It read “For our freedom and yours” and “Honour Fatherland”. He shouted “I protest” after setting himself ablaze. Despite the large crowd. Few truly understood his act.
The authorities quickly suppressed the incident. They invented a cover story. It portrayed Siwiec as an irresponsible drunk. They also claimed he was mentally ill. Siwiec’s funeral was attended by many. However it didn’t become a political protest. Police were present. Secret agents spread rumours. They aimed to damage Siwiec’s reputation.
Siwiec’s act became known after the fall of communism. A documentary film. Hear My Cry. It was made by director Maciej Drygas. This brought Siwiec’s story to light. The film highlighted the tragedy. His sacrifice went almost completely unnoticed. The Ryszard Siwiec 1909-1968 Stele in Prague is a testament. It stands as a memorial to his courage and sacrifice. It is a reminder of the fight for freedom. Even against overwhelming odds. It is a symbol of defiance. A symbol of hope.