Is the Commission planning to intervene in the matter of rule of law violations by the current government in Poland, which denies, among other things, the right of access to information for journalists from TV Republika? – asks in an inquiry to the European Commission, Law and Justice MEP Maciej Wąsik. In a conversation with niezalezna.pl, he admits that he is waiting for a response from the Commissioner for Justice.
In defense of the Telewizja Republika, an inquiry to the European Commission was submitted by Law and Justice MEP Maciej Wąsik.
He argues that “the government of Donald Tusk violates the rights of independent media.”
And further: “One of the largest news television stations in Poland – TV Republika is persistently not allowed at press conferences of the current government. This restricts criticism and media freedom.”
He asks:
Does the Commission intend to take action regarding the rule of law violations by the current government in Poland, which denies, among other things, the right of access to information to journalists from TV Republika by not allowing them into government press conferences?
Will all political decisions of the Government of Donald Tusk and the December 13th Coalition that violate the provisions of the Polish Constitution, especially the principle of media freedom and pluralism, as well as free access to information, be considered by the Commissions when creating the next report on the rule of law for 2024?
“I sent the inquiry yesterday,” Wąsik confirms in a conversation with niezalezna.pl.
“We are waiting for a response from the Commissioner for Justice. It was in the last term that we were accused of violating media freedoms, justified, among others, by the arrest of ‘independent journalist’ Paweł Rubcow,” he recalls.
And further:
“I hope that someone in the European Commission will hear what is happening in Poland. Perhaps MEPs will hear it too. I don’t count on the Venice Commission suddenly arriving led by Vera Jourova, who will be questioning Tusk. I hope that a large part of the misled European politicians will realize that the reality in Poland looks completely different than it was portrayed there.”
According to Article 2 of the Press Law, state bodies in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Poland create conditions necessary for the press to perform its functions and tasks, also enabling the activity of editorial offices of diverse newspapers and magazines in terms of program, thematic scope, and presented attitudes. In accordance with Article 1 of this law, the press enjoys freedom of expression and realizes the citizens’ right to their honest information, transparency of public life, and social control and criticism.”