General Wojciech Jaruzelski denies responsibility for death of coal miners

Former communist head of state General Wojciech Jaruzelski, responsible for introduction of martial law in 1981 in Poland, was testifying as a witness in the trial against the former security officers for subduing "Wujek" and "Manifest Lipcowy" coal mines. Jaruzelski testified he learned about the death of the miners after it happened. He expressed his deep regret for the tragedy. Once again he repeated that in his opinion introduction of martial law was needed because of Poland's difficult economic situation and the threats of military intervention from outside [Soviet Union]. Jaruzelski is waiting for one more trial. This time he will be the accused for giving the order to shoot workers demonstrating in December 1970. (Zycie page 5) A.D.