OSCE media freedom representative concerned about complaint filed against journalist by Poland’s Defence Ministry

VIENNA, 3 August 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed his concern in a letter to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the decision by the Ministry of Defence to file a complaint against journalist Tomasz Piątek. The Defence Ministry claims that Piątek may have committed a criminal offence in publishing his new book, Macierewicz and His Secrets.

The complaint is based on criminal code provisions concerning “using force or threats against a public official” and “public insults or humiliation of a constitutional body”.  If the case against the journalist is pursued, the charges could carry a penalty of up to three years in prison.

In the letter, the Representative stated that authorities should not use the courts to silence the media, whose role it is to hold them to account.  

“Restraint must be shown in reacting to reports and publications with judicial action in order to protect freedom of the media in line with national obligations and international standards and commitments,” Désir stressed. “I therefore urge authorities to refrain from levying any criminal charges against the journalist.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter:@OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.