Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka Bars Deník N Journalist from Press Conference

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka denied journalist Zdislava Pokorná of the daily Deník N entry to a ministry press conference, sparking criticism that the move echoes historic communist‑era media restrictions. Ministry staff responded to the exclusion with satirical statements that mirrored the minister’s own wording, and adviser Pavel Šik posted an AI‑generated image of a crying Pokorná on social media.

The incident highlights concerns over press freedom in the Czech Republic, as officials justified the ban by labeling the journalist “inconvenient” and suggesting a future conference for “alternative media.” Critics argue the actions constitute an unprecedented attempt to control media access in Czech politics.