The Legalisation of Solidarity

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In April 1989 the Polish trade union Solidarity was legalised once again, after eight years operating underground. It was a key step towards Solidarity’s defeat of the Moscow-backed communist authorities at elections later that year. Witness hears from Solidarity's former spokesman, Janusz Onyszkiewicz. Photo: Polish Solidarity spokesmen Janusz Onyszkiewicz (L) and Jozef Slisz (R) look on as advisor Bronislaw Geremek calls for the legalisation of independent political parties on 6 June, 1989. (Credit: Getty Images)