Police Protest On Doughnut Day

Not only is Krakow chockablock with security convoys for the current NATO conference, but it seems that policemen from across Poland have decided to choose Thursday 19th as the day to stage a protest against poor wages.

At 10.30 am on Tlusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) regiments of policeman from Katowice, Opole and other Polish cities marched into Krakow's Market Square, brandishing placards and blowing whistles. Bemused local policemen on NATO duty watched over as some of the protesting officers chanted: "Come and join us!"

Although the protest was in good humour, it is somewhat embarrassing for the Polish government, which was trying to make a good impression as the host of the NATO summit, which runs until Sunday 22nd.

After an hour of whistle-blowing, the protesters seemed unbowed by the arctic weather. Clearly the officers had fortified themselves with something strong. The answer? Today is Doughnut Day, when Poles take pride in munching doughnuts all day long. With that much sugar, the cops could still be going strong at midnight.

Below: Policemen sound air raid sirens in protest. Photo by Anna Spysz.