Scandalous violation of press freedom. A writer convicted of asking questions about a judge

It is unacceptable that a writer is convicted For asking questions. What happened in the Płock territory Court is simply a blatant example of the regulation of freedom of speech and a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for all media representatives in Poland.

Mateusz Teska, respected investigative writer associated with Anita Gargas Magazine, was sentenced on July 17, 2024 to 2 months of restrictions on freedom, forced social work, and the work to apologize and reimburse judicial costs. The reason for this scandalous conviction was expected to be the defamation of a retired judge. The problem is that there was no defamation at all – the writer did not print any material, but only collected information for the future publication.

The situation in which the court considers the specified fact of the question to be a crime is absolutely unacceptable. The primary function of the writer is to analyse the fact and to inform the public about matters applicable to society. If judges and politicians get a tool to prosecute journalists for collecting information, what country do we live in? Can Poland inactive call itself a democratic state of law?

In this case we are dealing with the alleged SLAPP (Strategic suit Against Public Participation) – a process to silence the writer and intimidate another media representatives. A public person, in this case a retired judge, alternatively of resisting questions with factual arguments, abuses the laws to suppress an uncomfortable journalistic investigation.

This is simply a judgement that gives emergence to a freezing effect – frightened journalists can avoid asking questions, fearing they will get to court. And yet they are the ones who have the work to look at their hands and bring to light the uncomfortable facts.

The SDP Press Freedom Monitoring Center has repeatedly protested against the conviction of Matthew Teski and unequivocally points to the unwarrantedness of the full case. There will be an appeal proceeding today. CMWP SDP demands the acquittal of the writer and the complete discharge of proceedings.

We can't let you Unfair sentences gagged independent journalism. If the courts start punishing Just asking questionsWho dares to exposure scandals, irregularities or corruption?

If we do not powerfully protest specified decisions of the courts, tomorrow all writer in Poland can find themselves in the same situation as Mateusz Teska. In order to defend freedom of expression and the rights of journalists, a decisive consequence is needed from the full media community, NGOs and citizens.

The issue of Teska is not only his individual drama – it is simply a test for democracy in Poland. The judges must realize that the media is not their enemy, but the guardian of fact and public interest. punishment for doing journalistic work is absurd, which cannot take place in a civilized country.

Everyone's eyes should be turned to court present – will it fix this scandalous mistake?