TV Republika Reporter Barred from Crisis Meeting in Wrocław; Ombudsman Steps in

A recent incident involving a journalist from TV Republika being denied entry to a press conference with Prime Minister Donald Tusk has raised concerns about media access to government events. The journalist claimed force was used against him, prompting Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights Wojciech Brzozowski to intervene and address the issue with the Lower Silesian Governor Maciej Awiżeń.

The Deputy Ombudsman previously raised similar concerns in a letter dated July 8, 2024, warning against restricting access to information, as it could lead to increased disinformation and societal polarization. This incident follows previous instances where TV Republika journalists were allegedly blocked from press events, prompting concerns about violations of constitutional freedoms.

TV Republika staff have expressed feeling excluded from the national discourse and have raised concerns about discrimination based on political views. Brzozowski’s letter to Governor Awiżeń seeks clarification on the use of force and the journalist’s right to inform the public, particularly in the context of a crisis meeting related to flooding.