Poland
While Poland’s constitution largely protects free expression, there have been increasing concerns about commitments to free speech and media independence. Since December 2015, the Polish Government has acted to bring public service media broadcasters under its control. Throughout 2016, public radio and television personnel have been under considerable pressure to self-censor and many journalists lost their jobs. As Poland has a substantial percentage of foreign-owned media companies, the government has been advocating for their ‘re-Polonisation’ to reduce the number of critical voices. Simultaneously, the right to protest has been limited by a new law that gives priority to regular ‘cyclical’ (generally pro-government) gatherings, while authorities have increasingly used force against counter-protesters. People protesting against violations of the Polish Constitution and judicial reforms have received criminal charges, fines or have been intimidated or surveilled by police. Women’s rights organisations endured police intimidation and searches following a nationwide rally supporting women’s rights in October 2017.
ARTICLE 19 continues to monitor the freedom of expression context in Poland, documenting violations and advocating for redress. We conduct legal analysis on public service media law and support civil society and journalists in Poland to address issues.
All Poland

Poland: Authorities must end police brutality and persecution of protesters and journalists

Poland: Court of Appeal dismisses SLAPP lawsuit against Professor Wojciech Sadurski

Poland: Criminal defamation case against Professor Wojciech Sadurski must be dropped

Poland: ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response will monitor SLAPP trials against Gazeta Wyborcza
Poland: Biased and imbalanced reporting of presidential campaign highlights lack of independence of the public broadcaster Telewizja Polska (TVP)

Poland: Government should not proceed with rushed postal election during Coronavirus lockdown

Poland: Government should consult opposition parties on reasonable delay of elections
