The death of Sergeant Matthew Sitk, soldier of the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade, sparked a wave of emotions throughout Poland. This tragedy besides became the subject of political controversy following the statements of the erstwhile associate of the Civic Coalition and erstwhile head of the Polish Humanitarian Action, Janina Ochojska. Ochojski's words, delivered on Polsat News air, met with the fierce reaction of the national defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish.
Ochojska: ‘It has not been secured or trained’
Janina Ochojska, commenting on the tragic death of Sergeant Sitka, expressed sympathy for the soldier and his family, but further stressed that his death was due to a deficiency of adequate security. "He lost his life due to the fact that he was unprotected, untrained and had no bulletproof vest," said Ochojska. She besides added: “There are no hordes pushing our borders.” This message caused a immense stir and was considered controversial in the light of events on the border.
Response of the Minister of Defence
The words of Janina Ochojska were powerfully responded by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. On his authoritative social media profile, he commented that Sergeant Mateusz Sitek was well prepared to execute his duties:
"Despite Mrs Janina Ochojska's words, Sergeant Matthew Sitek was decently prepared, trained and equipped. He died at the hands of 1 of the thugs who wanted to endanger our safety. They deliberately and deliberately usage aggression against which we as a state will defend," wrote the head of the MON.
Death of a soldier on duty
Mateusz Sitek was killed as a consequence of a violent knife attack on the Polish-Belarusian border. The event occurred on 28 May in the area of the Church Dubich in Podlasie. A 21-year-old soldier was stabbed by a migrant on the another side of the border barrier. Despite immediate assistance and transport to the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw, he died on 6 June.
His death caused mourning throughout the country, and besides united many Poles in solidarity with his household and loved ones. The ceremony of Mateusz Sitka took place on 12 June in the locality Nowy Lubiel, Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The ceremony was attended not only by his household and friends, but besides by president Andrzej Duda, Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Deputy Marshal of the Sejm Krzysztof Bosak.
Border safety under scrutiny
The tragedy on the Polish-Belarusian border highlighted the safety problem of soldiers and officers serving in areas peculiarly susceptible to aggression. Although the MON powerfully denies that deficiency of equipment could have caused Sergeant Sitka's death, Janina Ochojska's message pointed out the request for greater transparency in ensuring safety for military personnel.
Political divisions around the tragedy
The death of a young soldier, alternatively of becoming a minute of reflection and unity, became another hot place in the public debate. Ochojski's message and the reaction of the Minister of National Defence show how polarized opinions are about actions taken on the Polish-Belarusian border. For many Poles, the death of Sergeant Sitka remains a symbol of dedication and devotion to the service of the country.
Memory of a Hero
Matthew Sitek will be remembered as a young soldier who gave his life in service to his country. His tragic death leaves many questions about the safety of borders and the equipment of soldiers, but at the same time it reminds of the hardships of regular service in the face of real threats.
More here:
Chief MON responds to Ochojski's scandalous statements about the death of a soldier on the border
