Macierewicz Alleges Obstruction in Smolensk Crash Investigation

Antoni Macierewicz, head of the Smoleńsk subcommission, made serious allegations regarding the 2010 Smolensk air disaster during a recent conference. He accused both Russian and certain Polish factions of actively obstructing the investigation into the crash that killed 96 people, including then-Polish President Lech Kaczyński.

Macierewicz claimed that the Polish government under Donald Tusk's administration sent communications to Russian authorities, blaming Polish pilots for the crash. He believes this distorted the true causes of the tragedy. "The lack of a backup aircraft and the decision to send the plane for maintenance to a company linked to a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin were part of a deliberate strategy to endanger the Polish delegation," Macierewicz alleged.

The head of the subcommission also suggested that Polish services under Tusk's administration preferred Russian oversight over their own, leading to the abandonment of a Polish-Russian agreement that would have allowed for joint investigation. "The full transfer of investigative control and material evidence to the Russian side was a consequence of these decisions," Macierewicz emphasized.

Professor Wiesław Binienda, another member of the subcommission, criticized those in the Sejm who voted against the repatriation of the wreckage to Poland. He argued that they have "blood on their hands" for obstructing the investigation.

Why this matters: The Smolensk air disaster remains a deeply divisive and controversial topic in Poland, with ongoing debates about the cause of the crash and the handling of the investigation. These latest allegations by the Smoleńsk subcommission have the potential to reignite political tensions and raise further questions about the transparency and integrity of the inquiry.

The Smolensk crash occurred on April 10, 2010, when a Polish Air Force Tu-154 aircraft crashed near the city of Smolensk, Russia, killing all 96 people on board. The delegation was en route to a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. The investigation into the crash has been marred by controversy, with various theories and accusations surrounding the cause of the disaster and the handling of the inquiry by both Russian and Polish authorities.

Key Takeaways

• Macierewicz accuses Russia and Polish factions of obstructing Smolensk crash probe
• Claims Polish govt under Tusk blamed pilots, distorting true causes of tragedy
• Alleges Polish services preferred Russian oversight, abandoned joint investigation
• Binienda criticizes Sejm members who voted against repatriating wreckage
• Smolensk crash remains divisive, with ongoing debates about cause and investigation