The city of Warsaw is spending thousands of zloty protecting the Smolensk memorial cross outside of the Polish Presidential Palace.
The cross, which commemorates the 96 people who died in the April 10 air crash in Smolensk, has already attracted thousands of tourists and just as many protesters.
Speaking on behalf of the Warsaw City Guards, Monika Nizniak said, “Salaries for city guards amount to over 173,000 zloty (44,000 euro) but the whole action of protecting the cross will cost much more."
161 guards were on duty protecting the area outside of the Presidential Palace on August 3rd when the cross was supposed to be moved to St Anne's Church.
Days later at a protest against the cross 168 guards were on duty protecting the area.
Since August 13th the need for protection of the area outside the Presidential Palace has seen guards on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A total of 309 guards have been on duty since then.
Nizniak added, “City guards have between 8-12 hour shifts at the cross, usually on their days off, working extra hours."
Approximately 90 public order offences have been reported in the area of the Presidential Palace with 3 drunk people and 5 people who were drinking in a public place all detained and 5 more taken to a sobering up station.
In the past couple of days a 71-year old man was arrested after spreading excrement on the cross and a 60-year old man was also arrested after threatening protesters with a live hand grenade.
Not only are guards in use to protect the cross, 60 police officers have also been drafted in to protect the area day and night.
Officers have began to complain about holidays being cancelled and of being overworked as they strive to protect the memorial cross.
Maciej Karczynski from Warsaw police HQ said, “The policemen who protect the Palace could be on duty in other, more dangerous places of town instead."
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