In a broadcast that drew attention across Poland, Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik appeared on the program In the Center of Events on Telewizja wPolsce.pl, hosted by Marek Pyza and Marcin Wikła. The episode followed a notable development when President Andrzej Duda granted pardons to the two politicians on a Tuesday, a decision that marked a turning point after a period spent in custody related to political protests. The episode notes that on the 21st day of the month they departed from Radom and Przytuły Stare prisons, where they had conducted a hunger strike as part of their advocacy. The two lawmakers stressed their determination to continue serving in the legislative chamber, stating clearly that they would uphold their parliamentary mandate. The network invites viewers to view the extended report on wPolityce.pl, presenting a narrative that connects personal resolve with public accountability and democratic process.
Gratitude dominated the message shared by the two deputies as they reflected on the outpouring of support they had received. They extended thanks to the journalists who covered the story and to the people who demonstrated in the streets of Warsaw on January 11. They also thanked those who visited the prisons, and those who stood by them in the evenings when the world seemed to narrow to the bars and the cold air of the cell window. The expression of appreciation extended to everyone who sent letters and postcards, noting that hundreds of messages arrived during confinement and that some of these correspondences would accompany the prisoners after release. The sentiment was that these acts of solidarity were not just symbolic but deeply meaningful, providing a source of courage and resilience during a difficult period.
Maciej Wąsik then elaborated further, underscoring the importance of every form of support received from the public. He spoke of a sense of freedom that returned with each passing day and emphasized the role of people’s faith in them. He thanked the communities who prayed alongside the politicians and acknowledged the support of the Radio Maryja family, expressing appreciation for the spiritual and practical encouragement that helped sustain them. The deputy highlighted that belief and solidarity from citizens offered a powerful counterbalance to the loneliness of imprisonment and the stress of political pressure.
Kamiński shared his personal reflections on the daily rituals that carried the pair through the ordeal. He described the ritual of opening a window at 6 p.m. to hear the chorus of supporters outside the cells, a chorus that consisted not only of political allies and correspondents but of ordinary citizens whose voices carried warmth and moral reinforcement. He recalled women from the community who, in their own words, were not activists but individuals who cared deeply about the fate of those they believed in. The deputies also acknowledged the presence of friends and colleagues from parliament, yet it was the everyday Poles who left the strongest impression, their quiet courage resonating with the two men inside the confinement of the bars. The alternating sounds of snow, frost, cheers, and songs created a powerful soundtrack to the stretch of days they spent under detention, a memory that the deputies described as both extraordinary and uplifting.
The two politicians expressed their appreciation for the letters they received, noting that many of the messages originated from beyond Poland’s borders and carried heartfelt words of encouragement. They expressed sincere thanks for these kind gestures that reminded them they were not alone in their journey. They also paid tribute to the women in their lives who stood by them with unwavering resolve. The statements conveyed a clear sense that the families endured their own trials alongside the detainees, and that the strength of these relationships provided essential support during a moment of national tension. The emphasis remained on resilience, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to their duties despite the recent challenges they faced.
As the conversation moved toward the broader political landscape, the deputies reflected on the ongoing responsibilities tied to their seats in the Sejm. They asserted that their mandate remains intact and emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue, transparency, and accountability in public service. With an eye toward the future, they acknowledged that the experience of imprisonment had illuminated the difficulties and responsibilities inherent to political life, and they pledged to engage constructively with colleagues and the public to address the issues that lie ahead. The message was clear: service to the nation continues, guided by a sense of duty and a readiness to participate in parliamentary debate and decision-making.
The broadcast, which drew contributions from journalists and supporters, offered a forum for reflecting on the complex relationship between political action and public sentiment. It surfaced questions about governance, accountability, and the role of public demonstrations in shaping democratic outcomes. While the tone remained hopeful, it also recognized the gravity of the moments that led to the pardons and the subsequent path forward for the involved politicians. The overall takeaway suggested that the events would have a lasting impact on conversations about political accountability, civil activism, and the ability of elected representatives to engage with, and be answerable to, their constituents.
In keeping with the spirit of democratic participation, observers noted the importance of continued public engagement, dialogue within the Sejm, and responsible leadership. The episode closed with a reaffirmation of the MPs’ intent to fulfill their constitutional duties and to participate actively in the legislative process, regardless of the pressures and controversies that had accompanied their recent course of action. This account stands as a record of a moment when political life intersected with ordinary citizens who chose to stand by their representatives during a challenging chapter in their careers. The narrative remains a reminder that accountability in politics is reciprocal, and that the strength of a democracy rests on the willingness of its people to participate, speak out, and express their support or concerns when necessary.