Wounded in protests for JSW
The tumult at the JSW headquarters in Zofiowka during February 2015 left several miners and bystanders seriously injured. Reports described injuries ranging from a broken tibia and skull fractures to brain swelling and eye trauma, with some victims sustaining gunshot wounds to the face and other life threatening harms. The broader crowd present for the protests also faced injuries, underscoring the severity of the confrontation that day.
In political circles, reactions varied as opposition figures addressed the events. One member of parliament voiced concern about the treatment of protesters and harsh rhetoric used in public discourse. Critics questioned the veracity of statements that claimed no miners were harmed, suggesting a need for careful verification of accounts from that day. The debate highlighted tensions between ruling party representatives and opposition leaders, who used the incident to frame larger questions about safety, accountability, and the handling of industrial disputes.
Grzegorz Matusiak, a member of Parliament associated with the Law and Justice party, previously supported injured miners connected to the JSW protests. He provided a list of those affected and their injuries from February 11, 2015, noting that names and contact details were kept with him. In an interview with a media portal, he referenced remarks by an opposition member alleging hooligan elements among demonstrators and the police response, while also pointing out gaps in reporting on the participants and their locations.
List of injured miners
The individuals described in the following narratives are identified by name and have endured serious health consequences. Their accounts contribute to a factual record of what occurred during the protests and the immediate aftermath. The details presented reflect medical and eyewitness information gathered at the time.
Martin, 35, with eleven years of service at the KWK Zofiowka mine, sustained a broken lower leg, underwent surgery on February 10, experienced cerebral edema, and suffered a skull fracture after being shot from a distance of about four meters. He was not a participant with any affiliation at the protest and did not know the person who fired the shot.
Andrew, 43, who had fifteen years with the same mine, endured a gunshot wound to the head at the left temple on February 3, 2015. He reports ongoing severe headaches and various facial and scalp injuries as a result.
Patrick received a gunshot wound to the face and continues to report severe headaches following the incident. His case reflects the gravity of injuries sustained during the confrontation and the long road to recovery that followed.
Gregory described his experience as part of a peaceful demonstration near the JSW headquarters. He recalls a sudden escalation as plainclothes officers detained a man and riot police moved in. He stated that officers fired blindly, targeting no one in particular, and he sustained a gunshot wound to the forehead while others in the crowd were also injured. He required medical treatment in the emergency department and noted the presence of several wounded individuals, with medical staff expressing relief to preserve sight in his eye.
Further testimony from the group indicated a pattern of force used by police to manage the protests, with mixed perceptions of the events that day and a belief that the confrontation affected many participants differently.
In closing, the record suggests that the topic warranted careful scrutiny by politicians from all sides, as representatives from various parties weighed in on the implications for miners, law enforcement practices, and the handling of protests at industrial facilities.