“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):

Special dinner in prison, for “lifes”

On friday, 8th of december, an annual special dinner was held in prison, for persons serving lifetime sentences (“lifes”).
7 women (including Martha) who serve lifetime sentences in Dochas Centre were allowed to invite their close ones.
Every woman could invite up to 3 people. In total, there was about 20 people at the dinner.

 

Martha also could invite 3 people.
By decision of Martha and her family it was agreed that those people will be: two friends of Martha from Ireland, and Martha’s sister – Monika, who will arrive from Poland specially for the occasion.
The family wanted Martha’s mother to come, but it was eventually agreed, that Monika would arrive.
The two friends were Krysia and Rafał. Both support Martha and her family a lot (thank you) and they weren’t on such dinner last year.

A short relation from the sister.

http://helpformartha.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/12/special_dinner.pdf