According to Revolutionary and Dissident Movements, the Federation of Fighting Youth (Federacja Mlodziezy Walczacej, FMW) was "founded in June 1984 in the major cities (Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw and Cracow) to regain Poland's independence and to battle to curb [sic] the 'lawlessness of the authorities'" (1991, 277).

A representative of the embassy of Poland in Ottawa corroborated the above information and indicated that the aim of the Federation was an "independent and democratic Poland" and that it was "involved in demonstrations and publication activities" (4 Feb. 1994). The Independent Students Association in Warsaw stated that the FMW still exists in Poland (4 Feb. 1994).

There are numerous press reports on anti-communist demonstrations in which members of the Federation of Fighting Youth participated with other illegal organisations. A few of these articles are attached, and others can be provided upon request.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Ottawa. 4 February 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Independent Students Association, Warsaw. 4 February 1994. Telephone interview with member.

Revolutionary and Dissident Movements: An International Guide. 1988. Edited by Henry W. Degenhardt. London: Longman Group UK Ltd.

The Associated Press (AP). 21 Decembre 1987. "About 1,000 People Reported to Stage Pro-Solidarity Protest." (NEXIS)

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 27 February 1989. "Pro-Solidarity Disturbance in Cracow." (NEXIS)

Chicago Tribune. 28 February 1989. Paula Butturini. "In Poland, Glasnost's Limit Found." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 24 February 1989. AM Cycle. "Police Disperse Student Protest." (NEXIS)

Revolutionary and Dissident Movements: An International Guide. 1988. Edited by Henry W. Degenhardt. London: Longman Group UK Ltd.

The United Press International (UPI). 19 May 1989. BC Cycle. "Students Rush Soviet Consulate in Poland." (NEXIS)

_____. 7 August 1988. BC Cycle. Bogdan Turek. "Solidarity Protests Polish Economic Conditions." (NEXIS)