Polish Media Fund’s Bank Accounts Seized, TV Republika Chief Threatens Officials

Tax authorities seized the bank accounts of Fundacja Niezależne Media, a nonprofit that has collected donations for the TV Republika channel and provided support to journalists. TV Republika president Tomasz Sakiewicz told viewers the seizure was unlawful, saying it was "bezprawnie, całkowicie i pod każdym względem, formalnie i merytorycznie, zajęto konta" and that the tax decision lacked a proper signature, containing only a computer print of Prime Minister’s chief of staff Jan Grabca. He warned that officials responsible could face prison and personal asset confiscation.

The action follows a controversy over a 5.7 million‑zł grant granted in spring 2023 by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki to fund the "Akademia Demokracji" project. The programme, aimed at voter‑law education, involved regional meetings, a hotline and training for thousands of participants. While the foundation claims the project was fully completed and approved by the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, the government later demanded the grant’s return after a customs‑tax audit, prompting the seizure and the foundation’s appeal.

Sakiewicz denounced the tax officer’s decision as a crime, stating, "Urządnik skarbowy, który na podstawie takiego pisma podjął decyzję, popełnił po prostu przestępstwo." The dispute highlights tensions between media outlets and state institutions over funding and legal oversight.