ZOMO

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For the Nepalese animal, see Zomo (animal)

ZOMO units in Poland (1982)

Zmotoryzowane Odwody Milicji Obywatelskiej (ZOMO) (Motorized Reserves of the Citizens Militia), were paramilitary riot police formations during the Communist Era, in the People's Republic of Poland. These elite units of Milicja (former Polish police) provided security during "large" events, but are most notably known for their bloody actions in quelling civil rights protests and riots during martial law in the 1980s.

[edit] History

ZOMO units were created and first used in 1956, under the direct command of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Communist Party in Poland. Their mission statement was defined as "the protection of the nation," and their main role was as a rapid-response police force similar to the SWAT teams in the US. As opposition to the Communist Government in Poland grew, the units were expanded to counter the growing unrest, and their role became more of anti-riot police.

ZOMO units in Poland (1982)

They were equipped with BTR-60 Armoured personnel carriers, tear gas and firearms as well as various types of riot equipment such as batons, plastic shields and helmets. They wore dark blue military uniforms with the same camouflage pattern as the one used by the Polish Army.

They gained international fame during the period of Martial law in Poland (1981-1983). During this time period their brutal actions against peaceful protesters often affiliated with the Solidarność movement, and the subsequent lack of prosecution of those responsible for civilian deaths, were major factors in bringing down the communist regime.

To parody the communist newspeak during that time they were often sarcasticly called "The beating heart of the Party" (pl. Bijące serce Partii). The units were disbanded in 1989, following the fall of the communist system. The word, however, remains a pejorative term used by some to denote all kinds of riot police in Poland.

Since 1990 several trials against former ZOMO members and their political leaders have started.

In modern Poland the ZOMO units are remembered for their brutality and sadism while beating protesting opponents of the communist regime no matter their sex or age. Even their long white "assault batons" (pl. pałka szturmowa) nicknamed "Lola" gained infamy.