In 1981, the communist government of Poland declared martial law in an attempt to suppress rising protests and strikes.

The civil unrest had been sparked by Solidarity, a trade union which became a social movement.

Tanks and soldiers appeared on the street, Solidarity members were rounded up, and TV and radio stations shut down.

For a devoutly Catholic country – Christmas was a sacred time, but under martial law there would be very little to celebrate this festive season.

Johnny I’Anson hears from Solidarity member and activist Maciek Romejko about a bleak Christmas in Poland.

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(Photo: Martial law in Poland. Credit: Getty Images)

Poland's bleak Christmas

Witness History