TV Republika CEO Tomasz Sakiewicz paid a PLN 25,000 bail bond that enabled investigative journalist Leszek Kraskowski to leave detention after 27 days. Speaking today, the CEO of TV Republika strongly condemned the case, describing it as a threat to democracy.
Investigative journalist Leszek Kraskowski was arrested on June 6, and the District Court in Piaseczno ordered his pre-trial detention for three months. On July 3, prosecutors lifted the detention order on the condition that a PLN 25,000 bail bond be paid.
The bail was paid by TV Republika CEO Tomasz Sakiewicz. The funds were transferred to the prosecutor’s office the same day, allowing Kraskowski to leave detention after 27 days. Today, Sakiewicz appeared at the prosecutor’s office to collect the official document confirming the transfer of the bail.
“This Is Unacceptable”
In an interview with TV Republika conducted at the prosecutor’s office, Sakiewicz did not hide his emotions.
“When I heard about this case, I was outraged. Journalists, like anyone else, can make mistakes and even commit crimes. But one thing was certain in this case – it was motivated and driven by his journalistic work. That is something that is unacceptable,” the CEO said.
He argued that the case has broader implications.
“If we allow journalists to be sent to prison because they criticize those in power, then soon all of us will end up there. We will create such a gap in the democratic system that the police will be able to enter any of our homes, including mine, handcuff us, and take us away,” he stated.
Sakiewicz also criticized the work of the investigators.
“Nothing about this case made any sense, and the prosecutor’s office knows it. The problem is that it went too far because a man spent a month in detention. A propaganda machine was used to dig into his private life,” he added.
The case of Leszek Kraskowski has become the subject of a fierce political dispute. The opposition argues that the investigative journalist, who published reports concerning, among other issues, the Polnord scandal and MP Roman Giertych, has been subjected to political persecution.
Although Kraskowski has been released from detention, he is not free of legal restrictions. In addition to posting bail, he has been placed under police supervision and is required to report to the authorities twice a week. He is also prohibited from contacting witnesses and barred from leaving the country, while his passport remains confiscated.