Death to the Murderer!
On the Repressive Mentality in Poland
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
In Poland, unlike in Western Europe, repressive attitudes have grown since the 1960s. Many Poles support the death penalty, which, however, was abolished in 1998. Contrary to widespread assumptions, this repressiveness is unrelated to actual crime rates. Instead, it was the symptom of deeper uncertainties among citizens, who considered their country to be criminal. The economic upswing of recent years has enabled Poles to gain confidence in their country. Accordingly, supporters of the death penalty have also been forced onto the defensive.
(Osteuropa 9/2009, pp. 95–112)