GORZELIK AND OTHERS v. POLAND JUDGMENT
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2. The Union shall conduct its activity within the territory of the Republic of
Poland; it may establish local branches.
...
6. (1) The Union may join other domestic or international organisations if the aims
pursued by [the latter] correspond to the aims pursued by the Union.”
19. The aims of the association and the means of achieving them were
described as follows:
“7. The aims of the Union are:
(1) to awaken and strengthen the national consciousness of Silesians;
(2) to restore Silesian culture;
(3) to promote knowledge of Silesia;
(4) to protect the ethnic rights of persons of Silesian nationality; [and]
(5) to provide social care for members of the Union.
8. The Union shall accomplish its aims by the following means:
(1) organising lectures, seminars, training courses and meetings, establishing
libraries and clubs, and carrying out scientific research;
(2) organising cultural and educational activities for members of the Union and
other persons;
(3) carrying out promotional and publishing activities;
(4) promoting the emblems and colours of Silesia and Upper Silesia;
(5) organising demonstrations or [other] protest actions;
(6) organising sporting events ... and other forms of leisure activities;
(7) setting up schools and other educational establishments;
(8) cooperating with other organisations;
(9) conducting business activities for the purpose of financing the aims of the
Union – this may include establishing commercial entities and cooperating with other
[commercial] entities;
(10) establishing other entities or [legal] persons with a view to achieving the aims
of the Union; and
(11) conducting any other activities.”
20. Paragraphs 9 and 10 dealt with membership. They read as follows:
9. There shall be two categories of members of the Union, namely ordinary
members and supporting members.
10. Any person of Silesian nationality may become an ordinary member of the
Union.”
21. The relevant part of paragraph 15 of the memorandum of association
read as follows:
“A person shall cease to be a member of the Union if: