ZOMO

The ZOMO (Polish: Zmotoryzowane Odwody Milicji Obywatelskiej), known in English as Motorized Reserves of the Citizens' Militia, were paramilitary-police formations during the communist era in Poland. These purportedly elite units of Citizens' Militia (MO) were created to fight dangerous criminals, provide security during mass events, and help in the case of natural disasters and other crises; however, they became known instead for their brutal and sometimes lethal actions of riot control and their role in quelling civil rights protests.

ZOMO Full Name: Zmotoryzowane Odwody Milicji Obywatelskiej Alias: "Communist Gestapo", ZOMO-men Origin: Poland Foundation: December 24, 1956 Crimes: Torture Human rights violations

The first ZOMO units were deployed in 1956 and became particularly infamous for their ruthless handling of political opponents under Polish martial law (1981–1983). It was permanently disbanded after the fall of communism in 1989, though the term "ZOMO" remains synonymous with police brutality to this day