Michal Matczak (or as he is known among his fans: Mata) is a Polish rapper and activist who launched a campaign for decriminalisation in his country. We interviewed him in Vienna at the 66th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, where he came to share his story and promote decriminalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
There was nothing extraordinary in Mata’s personal story. At least in the beginning. The same thing happens to tens of thousands of young Polish people every year. He was driving home with his friends one evening when the police stopped and searched them for drugs. They found a minimal amount of weed in their pockets and arrested them. They took them to the police station, where they spent the night in jail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But unlike most young people, Mata happens to be famous. His case is in the spotlight. He was acquitted by the court but the prosecutor appealed and now he is awaiting another trial. He realised that as a privileged person he has a responsibility to use his popularity to make a difference. He launched a campaign<\/a> to decriminalise cannabis use in Poland, a country with repressive drug laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n