Media freedom concerns raised by TV Republika and controversy over Polish MP remarks

Representatives from TV Republika held a conference in Washington to discuss challenges to freedom of speech in Europe. Tomasz Sakiewicz, president of the station, described recent actions against the outlet as reminiscent of communist-era tactics, citing police interventions at his residence and economic pressure on advertisers through tax audits and criminal allegations.

Program director Michał Rachoń claimed that journalists from the station are being boycotted by the ruling party in Poland and are barred from participating in press conferences with the Prime Minister. He stated that approximately 50 percent of Polish television viewers are being deprived of full information due to these practices.

In a separate incident involving media relations in Poland, Confederation MP Konrad Berkowicz faced backlash after referring to TVP journalist Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz as a ‘prostitute’ during a broadcast. The journalist announced her intention to file a lawsuit. Berkowicz later issued an apology on social media, though he subsequently defended his remarks by characterizing them as a reflection of the journalist’s professional conduct. Members of the Civic Coalition have requested that the Sejm Ethics Committee take disciplinary action against him.