The District Court in Warsaw has acquitted TV Republika investigative journalist Cezary Gmyz in a case brought against him by Roman Giertych. The journalist himself announced the favorable ruling on social media. As he emphasized, the proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, so he did not disclose details of the verdict. The dispute between the two sides has been ongoing for several years and has already seen several twists and turns.
Gmyz announces court victory
On Wednesday, Cezary Gmyz wrote on X that he had been acquitted by the District Court in Warsaw in the case filed against him by Roman Giertych.
“The District Court in Warsaw has acquitted me in the case brought against me by Roman Giertych. The proceedings were held at his request behind closed doors, so I can only say that I have joined the ranks of the previous winners,” the TV Republika investigative journalist wrote.
Gmyz also noted that, due to the confidential nature of the proceedings, he could not reveal details concerning the course of the trial or the court’s reasoning.
Long-running dispute between journalist and politician
The dispute between Cezary Gmyz and Roman Giertych has been ongoing for several years. As early as November 2023, the journalist reported that he had won in court against the former deputy prime minister and attorney for the second time.
At that point, it appeared that the proceedings would end favorably for the journalist. However, the situation changed several months later when Roman Giertych announced a decision by a higher court.
Regional Court overturns earlier rulings
In February 2024, Roman Giertych stated that the Regional Court had, for the second time, overturned an earlier decision of the District Court to discontinue the proceedings.
“For the second time, the Regional Court has overturned the District Court’s erroneous decision to discontinue the proceedings due to the negligible social harm of the act and has ordered a substantive examination of the case. Mr. Gmyz, welcome to the defendant’s bench,” the Civic Coalition politician wrote on social media at the time.
The court’s decision meant that the case was sent back to the court of first instance for reconsideration.
Another ruling in favor of the journalist
The latest ruling by the District Court in Warsaw is another favorable outcome for Cezary Gmyz in his legal dispute with Roman Giertych. The journalist emphasized that he had been acquitted of the charges against him, although he has not disclosed further details because of the confidential nature of the proceedings.
For now, it remains unclear whether the ruling is final and legally binding, or whether either party will decide to pursue further legal action. The dispute between the TV Republika journalist and the Civic Coalition lawmaker remains one of the more high-profile cases at the intersection of media and politics.