Czech PM Andrej Babiš Accused of Journalist Harassment as US Congress Praises Defense Stance

During a recent government press conference, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Minister Juchelka personally attacked journalists, referring to Zdislava Pokorná as “Zdíše” and labeling a Seznam Zprávy reporter’s work as “odpornou novinářskou práci.” The remarks were described as a breach of established press‑conference protocol, and the European Commission’s report on the rule of law cited the incident among 27 cases of threats and harassment toward Czech journalists.

U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers led a four‑member delegation that met with President Petr Pavel, Defense Minister Jaromír Zúna, and Prime Minister Babiš in Prague. Rogers praised Babiš as a “good friend and supporter of President Trump” and urged the Czech government to raise defense spending toward the NATO‑recommended 5 % of GDP, noting the current level is about 3.5 %.

The two events highlight domestic concerns over media freedom and international pressure on Czech defense policy.