Table of Contents
- A few days ago, Onet asked several institutions whether Janusz Waluś is already in Poland. The Polish consulate in Pretoria gave an ambiguous answer
- On Tuesday, information appeared that Janusz Waluś would give an interview. Even his family was surprised by the announcement
- — Our relative is definitely not in Poland yet. We do not want to provide details about his trip to the country for security reasons, family members say in an interview with Onet
- More similar texts can be found on the Onet home page
Many people have been wondering whether Janusz Waluś is already in Poland or is still in South Africa for several weeks. The 71-year-old Pole is one of the most hated people in South Africa. In Pretoria and Cape Town, many people still want him dead. Before his conditional release from prison, one of his fellow prisoners attempted to kill Waluś. However, the Pole survived the attack.
Continuation of the material below the video
On April 10, 1993, Janusz Waluś, as an activist of the Conservative Party and the Afrikaner Resistance Movement, shot Clive Derby-Lewis (the leader of the Conservative Party), inspired by the activist Chris Hani, who was expressing socialist views. Before his death, he was the leader of the South African Communist Party and “Umkhonto we Sizwe”, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
Shortly after the attack, Janusz Waluś was arrested, tried and imprisoned in Pretoria. First, he was sentenced to death. It was later commuted to life imprisonment. Waluś was behind bars for 29 years. There have been numerous attempts to release him on parole over the past 10 years, but they were initially blocked by successive justice ministers in South Africa. Ultimately, Janusz Waluś, after he renounced his South African citizenship and announced his return to Poland, was released from prison on December 7, 2022.
However, he could not leave immediately. He had to spend another two years in South Africa, which is a “probation period” under the law in force in that country. As Janusz Waluś did not commit another crime during this time, he is now a completely free man. His “conditional” period ended in mid-November this year.
A few days ago, Onet asked the Polish Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether Janusz Waluś is already in Poland. Both offices have not yet sent us any response.
The question was answered by the Polish consulate in Pretoria. The diplomats said that they could not clearly confirm whether they helped Janusz Waluś in his evacuation to Poland and we must ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about it.
— we read in the response signed by Robert Rusiecki, head of the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria.
Waluś family: Interview? We hear first
Interestingly, on Tuesday, YouTube’s Channel Zero announced that Janusz Waluś would give him an interview on December 10. This information even surprised his family in Poland. In an interview with Onet, his relatives claim that this was not the subject of any arrangements with them or the former prisoner’s Polish defense attorney. The former attacker’s relatives also argue that he is definitely not in Poland yet.
– says one of the representatives of the Waluś family living in Poland.
Our interlocutors also admit that they are surprised that Janusz Waluś decided to talk to the media so quickly. The man realizes that his safety may be at risk even in his homeland. That’s why the first plans were for Waluś not to be public and not to draw attention to himself after his return.
Janusz Waluś. “Hero of stadiums”
Janusz Waluś was born in Zakopane, but his family moved to Radom when he was a child. Here, Waluś, his father and brother ran a glassworks. When it went bankrupt, they moved to South Africa. Janusz Waluś’s brother still lives in South Africa. He accumulated a multi-million fortune there.
Janusz Waluś became a hero of right-wing and conservative circles in Poland while still in prison. His image also appeared on football fans’ banners displayed in stadiums across the country.
Given the potential risks to his safety, what ethical considerations arise regarding the media’s coverage of Waluś’s release and his subsequent public appearances?
Here’s a breakdown of potential discussion questions organized thematically, inspired by the text provided:
**Section 1: Janusz Waluś’s Return and Safety Concerns**
* **Open-ended Questions:**
* Why do you think Janusz Waluś decided to speak to the media so quickly after his release? What might have motivated his decision to publicly reappear?
* The article mentions Waluś’s safety concerns even in Poland. What potential risks might he face, and how should these be addressed? Does his past conviction automatically make him a target?
* How do you think the public perception of Waluś and his actions will evolve as he reintegrates into Polish society?
**Section 2: Waluś as a Symbol**
* **Open-ended Questions:**
* The article states that Waluś has become a “hero of right-wing and conservative circles.” What does this label signify? What beliefs or values might lead people to view him as a symbol?
* The use of Waluś’s image on football banners suggests a connection to sports fandom. How does this symbolism intersect with political ideologies? Does it raise concerns about the politicization of sports?
* Can someone be considered a hero despite committing a serious crime? How do we reconcile the personal motivations and actions of individuals with their perceived symbolic value?
**Section 3: Waluś’s Background and Family**
* **Open-ended Questions:**
* How might Waluś’s upbringing and family history have influenced his trajectory in life?
* The article mentions his brother’s success in South Africa. Does wealth and financial stability influence perspectives on Waluś and his actions?
* Does learning about Waluś’s personal background change your opinion of him? How does understanding someone’s past influence our judgments about their present?
**Section 4: Broader Implications and Reflections**
* **Open-ended Questions:**
* What are the broader implications of someone like Waluś being released from prison after serving a lengthy sentence? How do societies grapple with the reintegration of individuals who have committed acts perceived as deeply harmful?
* Does this case raise questions about the nature of justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation? How do we balance accountability with the possibility of rehabilitation?
**General Facilitating Questions:**
* What are your initial reactions to the information presented in this article?
* What surprised you the most? What questions arise for you?
* How does this case connect to broader societal issues or debates?
**Remember:**
* Encourage active listening and respect for diverse viewpoints.
* Create a safe space for open and honest discussion.
* Guide the conversation to explore complex issues with nuance and empathy.