“Censorship has returned in full force,” stated a PiS spokesperson after the Polish Press Agency (PAP) declined to publish a message from PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński. The deputy head of PAP, along with a senior editor, commented on the spokesman’s remarks. Ultimately, the statement was published on the wPolityce.pl portal through a separate outlet.
The resurgence of censorship
That Saturday evening, the PiS representative criticized the neo-hostile leadership at the Polish Press Agency, specifically naming Marek Błoński and Justyna Wojteczek, for their decision not to run the party leader’s statement.
“Censorship is back in full force,” he proclaimed. He argued that the agency’s leadership has moved to silence public discourse and block citizens from accessing information. The aim, he suggested, is to promote content favorable to Donald Tusk and his team, while depriving the public of the truth.
Such actions, if true, would represent a serious breach of democratic principles, freedom of expression, and media plurality. The speaker urged a collective demonstration and a public appeal to appear together in the Sejm on January 11, 2024, to protest what he described as government overreach and unlawful behavior. This, he claimed, is the sole path to curb such measures.
– asserted the PiS representative.
PAP stands firm against pressure
In response, Justyna Wojteczek stressed that what appears on the PAP website is the responsibility of an independent editorial team that remains immune to political influence. She recalled that article 2 of the Polish Press Agency Act states that PAP should operate free from control by any ideological, political, or economic faction.
Wojteczek went on to say that press workers and editors should not be subjected to political pressure to publish certain content. She called such pressure unacceptable and contrary to the law and basic decency.
– Wojteczek noted.
She added that a meeting with Mr. Bochenek had been declined. In her view, interviews with politicians, experts, or artists are appropriate, but the decision on what to publish should not hinge on political dictates.
– she emphasized.
Wojteczek also pointed out that many of the proposed statements attributed to the PiS president did not contain new information. She suggested that any offer of assistance to those targeted by the Tusk government, along with the criteria and recipients, should be clearly defined before being mentioned on the PAP site.
She indicated that if such specifics are provided, they will be published by PAP.
Response from PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński to threats from Tusk
In his remarks, the PiS leader asserted that anyone facing actions by what he described as Tusk’s government could rely on support, including legal aid, in response to repressive measures. Given the ongoing dynamics and what he framed as the erosion of public institutions, political misuse of assets, and restricted access to information, he maintained that resistance is necessary. He stated that any individual attacked by Tusk and his allies can count on their backing.
The narrative echoed across party lines as supporters interpreted it as a pledge to stand with opponents under pressure, while critics urged a careful, fact-based approach to reporting and commentary.
The situation prompted ongoing conversations about the role of the media in a functioning democracy and the boundaries between party messaging and journalistic independence. The broader discussion focused on ensuring transparency, safeguarding editorial autonomy, and maintaining a plural media landscape that can serve the public interest rather than any single political agenda. (Attribution: wPolityce)
In summary, the episode highlights tensions between political leadership and media institutions, and it underscores the importance of editorial independence, clear criteria for publishing political material, and a robust media ecosystem capable of withstanding pressure while informing the public. (Attribution: wPolityce)
Source: wPolityce (Attribution)