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“Who was he to me? – … He often appeared in places where I liked to spend time especially on the beach … I advised him … to stop paying for sex and have sex with agency girls. He said that he was a guy and he must but if I agree with him it will stop … for me it is a disease and a very gross thing … I could never be with such a person “- fragment of Marta’s book

He insisted on meeting. He often appeared in places where I liked to spend time especially on the beach. When he pulled up to the beach I tried to talk to him gently that I am sorry but I can’t be with him. I did not want him to be sad so I advised him what not to do so that he could shape his life. Especially so that he would stop paying for sex and have sex with agency girls. He said he was a man and he must, but if I agree with him it will stop. I didn’t tell him that it was a disease for me and a very gross thing that I could never be with such a person.

“Who was he to me? “-… He escaped from the workplace (his … to mine to only see me for a while. He was instructed from the Manager …” – Twenty-second fragment of Marta’s book

He escaped from the workplace (his department building) to mine to only see me for a while. He was instructed from the Manager. Everyone knew and saw what was happening but I wanted to show that for me it is not all funny. I tried to separate myself from the situation and focus only on my work and return home.

‘In this winter time, I often think about the people of good heart…I hope your good heart sets an example to others…’

In this winter time, I often think about the people of good heart.
You and all the rest of the family are such a person.
I hope your good heart sets an example to others and repays you with the same.
Thank you for your good hearts with my loved ones.
Marta Herda
December 2019

“It went without tears … We did not wish for a Merry Christmas, because it’s a bit out of place …” – Annual dinner in prison for “lifers” – Marta is still discriminated against

On Wednesday, December 12, at the Dochas Center prison, an annual meeting was held for women serving life sentences (“lifers”).
For each woman imprisoned in such cases, it was an opportunity to meet the three closest people. A common dinner, a longer conversation, a nice time.
Until three hours of sight. From 13 to 16.

At several tables there was a nice and cordial atmosphere.
The friends of Krysia, Mariusz and Rafał came to meet with Marta this year.
Friends who live in Ireland.
Everyone, including Marta, are well dressed.
Unfortunately, nobody from the family came from Poland.
That was agreed with Marta.

What was different from last year?
Better food.
And Mrs. Governor Mary O’Connor exceptionally kind.
(The same Mrs. Governor, who broke the 4 Sunday prisoners 3 days earlier without spending a pass on the Altenatives to the Violence Project Christmas Dinner)
Mrs. Governor was very nice.
She sat down at each table for a moment and talked to everyone for a moment.

Marta thanked Mrs. Governor Mary O’Connor for the very good preparation of a special dinner and for the fact that she could have been at this special dinner.

And what has not changed?
… Discrimination of Marta …
Everyone could give presents to their loved ones …
Everyone … just not Marta …
Friends did not expect anything from Marta.
But this situation is unpleasant for Marta herself.
She likes to share with others, she likes to give gifts to others …
Only after a symbolic little thing for friends …
Unfortunately…

The meeting was very briefly commented by one of the participants, one of Marta’s friends – Mariusz (in Polish language):