Court assessor Krzysztof Kołodziejczyk has decided to waive the journalistic privilege protecting Michał Rachoń. “This is an extremely flawed decision,” attorney Artur Wdowczyk commented on TV Republika. The journalist has already announced that he has no intention of revealing his sources.
A Warsaw court issued a surprising ruling releasing Michał Rachoń from his journalistic confidentiality obligations in matters concerning conversations between Roman Giertych and Donald Tusk, as well as between Giertych and Jarosław Kurski. Attorney Artur Wdowczyk expressed strong criticism of the decision, describing it as “extremely flawed.”
Controversial court ruling
“This is not a final decision, and we will certainly appeal it. I would also like to point out that it was issued not by a judge, but by a court assessor,” the lawyer noted.
The journalist himself also reacted to the court’s move. On X, Michał Rachoń published a video in which he declared that he would not comply with the ruling.
“I will not betray my sources, even if this crypto-dictatorship releases me from journalistic privilege. My answer to all questions from the prosecutors of this crypto-dictatorship is simple: You will learn nothing from me, because I am protected by journalistic confidentiality. If you want, handle it your own way — it does not impress us,” the journalist stated.
Appeal announced
According to Wdowczyk, the ruling is not legally binding at this stage and will be challenged through the appeals process.
“This is not a final decision, and we will certainly file an appeal. I would like to stress once again that the decision was made by a court assessor rather than a judge,” he said.
Rachoń reiterated his position in his social media statement, maintaining that he would not disclose the identities of his sources regardless of the court’s decision.
The case concerns information related to conversations involving Roman Giertych, Donald Tusk, and Jarosław Kurski, and has sparked debate over the scope of journalistic privilege and source protection in Poland.