World : Pro-Solidarity Priest Dies in Fire

A pro-Solidarity priest died today in a fire that swept his home in the northeastern city of Bialystok, a human rights activist said.

Father Stanislaw Suchowolec apparently died of smoke inhalation, said Zofia Romaszewska of the Solidarity Commission for Intervention and Law Abidance. The cause of the fire was not known. Romaszewska said Suchowolec had informed the commission that he had been assaulted and that his car had been tampered with in the past. A priest who shared the Immaculate Heart of Mary rectory said he believes that an electric spark started the fire. Suchowolec was an active supporter of the banned trade union Solidarity and is the second priest within 10 days to die in unclear circumstances.