On the history of disinformation surrounding the Katyn massacre cover-up
History has always been a tool of influence – used to construct political narratives, justify decisions and shape public opinion. These mechanisms have not disappeared; on the contrary, today we see their new forms, often built on patterns known for decades.
One of the most striking examples remains the Katyn lie – a long-running disinformation operation involving the falsification of documents, destruction of evidence and manipulation of international narratives. It will serve as a starting point for a broader reflection on how disinformation campaigns are created and how they operate, both in times of war and peace.As Dr Maciej Wyrwa of the Mieroszewski Centre notes:
“For nearly two decades, Russian state historical policy has openly and on a mass scale rehabilitated crimes committed by the authorities of the Soviet Union.”
On 13 April, Katyn Victims Remembrance Day, we invite you to a symposium exploring the mechanisms of historical manipulation, their aims and consequences – including their impact on democratic societies, social cohesion and the ability to recognise information threats.
The symposium is co-organised by institutions that have long studied disinformation, both past and present: the Pilecki Institute, the Mieroszewski Centre, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, the Museum of Polish History and the Centre for Eastern Studies.
