Youth gone wrong

The League of Polish Families (LPR) is breaking off ties with its youth wing, All-Poland Youth (MW), following press coverage linking the latter to neo-Nazi activity. The present-day MW, a reincarnation of an earlier organization, was estabilished in 1989 by LPR head Roman Giertych. Its forebearer was known for anti-Semitic activities.

The youth party's chairman, Krzysztof Bosak, an LPR deputy, also announced his decision to step down. The Polish Press Agency quoted Bosak as saying: "It seems impossible for me to continue to do my work in public life in two roles - a parliamentary deputy and chairman of the All-Poland Youth."

He added that it would be impossible for the nationwide organization to vet every one of its members. "We are not intelligence officers," he said. "We can't verify the past of everyone."

Photos published by newspapers in November allegedly show members of MW engaged in Nazi-style salutes and bearing swastika-emblazoned materials. The resulting furor lead to the sacking of an assistant to MEP Maciej Giertych, father of Roman, as well as calls for Law and Justice (PiS) to throw its junior partner out of the ruling coalition.

Regardless of MW's relationship with its parent, it is now the subject of an investigation as Polish law states that the promotion of fascism may be punished by up to two years in prison. (Reuters)