Amnesty, warnings for Poles

Press, 27 April 1987, Page 10

Amnesty, warnings for Poles

NZPA-Reuter Warsaw The Polish Government has granted amnesty to nine people held on terrorism charges, but the security police have rounded up 500 other political opponents for “warning talks” and seizure of illegal material. Polish authorities announced on Saturday that the nine accused of terrorism would be freed for humanitarian reasons under an amnesty to political offenders. But in a sweeping 24hour operation by security police, more than 500 other political opponents have been rounded up for “warning talks,” and confiscation of illegal publications and printing equipment. Both moves were announced by the official P.A.P. news agency, which described the security swoop as a “nationwide prevention operation.’’ ' ’ The 537 dissidents included members of thi underground Solidarity movement and the independent Freedom . and Peace group. Opposition sources believed the “warnings” were in some cases linked with possible May Day demonstrations on Friday. The nine freed included seven from Krakow, southern Poland, whom opposition sources identified as members of a group held for almost a year on charges of planning to disrupt official May Day celebrations last year with teargas attacks. Several people were still being detained last night after the security swoop carried out from Friday to Saturday, the sources said. Under Polish law they may be held for up to 48 hours without charge.