Dr. Thomas Greniuch's case was one more time at the political forefront. This time, thanks to the conference of Members of the Civic Coalition, who decided to usage his archive photograph from the times of youthful errors as a weapon in political combat. A photograph from more than 20 years ago, depicting a young Grenich performing a Roman salute, became an excuse to attack – not only on his individual but besides on the political environment associated with a candidate supported by the Law and Justice.
– This photograph is again a baton in the political war of 2 sides – said Dr. Tomasz Grenich, erstwhile head of IPN in Opole and Wroclaw, who was forced to leave the institution in 2021 My image and my good name have been manipulated. Getting me mixed up with criminals is simply a disgraceful abuse.
Grenich, a historian with a Ph.D., a man who for years co-founded the educational branch of the IPN, present must explain not from the current activities, but from the mistakes of youth – mistakes for which he had long apologized. Moreover, attacks on him are taking place despite the fact that there are no charges against him and political activity ended years ago.
At a press conference held on 14 May, MP KO Adrian Witczak compared Greniuch with people from criminal backgrounds, insinuating his alleged ties with Karol Nawrocki, current president of the IPN. The problem is that Nawrocki only became president a fewer months after Grenich left the Institute. The curious individual himself responds briefly:
I don't know a presidential candidate with the support of the Law and Justice. It's an innuendo to destruct me in the eyes of the public.
Grenich is not going to leave this case unanswered. He announced legal action. Witczak, Paweł Bliźńuk and Katarzyna Królak will receive an authoritative letter of apology and a deposit of PLN 20 1000 to the Foundation “Call by name”, which will commemorate the destiny of the Anti-communist Soldiers.
– I'm not in political life. I've been moving a private, technological life for years. I was made a tool for political combat – and against the facts. This is an utmost injustice," says Grenich.
It is worth recalling that although his youthful engagement in extremist organizations was widely commented upon, Grenich repeatedly expressed remorse and distanced himself from his erstwhile views. Nevertheless, the political game knows no mercy. alternatively of a substantive debate, we are one more time reaching for half-truths and the past to hit the opponent by 3rd parties.
Is the apology going to drop? Will the case go to court? 1 thing is certain: if politics continues to scope for old pictures, alternatively of talking about the program and the future – the victim will not only be Tomasz Grenich, but the full public debate.
