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.

Poland: Fears for media pluralism as Polska Press trial begins
06.06.2022 10 min read

Poland: Fears for media pluralism as Polska Press trial begins

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Poland: Dismissal of SLAPP-targeted journalist sets concerning precedent
07.02.2022 6 min read

Poland: Dismissal of SLAPP-targeted journalist sets concerning precedent

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Poland: Veto ‘Lex-TVN’ amendment to protect media freedom
23.12.2021 6 min read

Poland: Veto ‘Lex-TVN’ amendment to protect media freedom

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Jo Glanville: Why the right to protest matters
15.12.2021 16 min read

Jo Glanville: Why the right to protest matters

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Poland: Journalist’s criminal defamation conviction threatens free speech
01.12.2021 7 min read

Poland: Journalist’s criminal defamation conviction threatens free speech

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Poland: Journalist must not be jailed for refusing to disclose source
29.11.2021 7 min read

Poland: Journalist must not be jailed for refusing to disclose source

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Poland: Journalists must be allowed access to Belarus border
22.11.2021 7 min read

Poland: Journalists must be allowed access to Belarus border

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Poland: Access to public information must not be constrained
15.11.2021 6 min read

Poland: Access to public information must not be constrained

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Jo Glanville: Why the right to truth matters
25.08.2021 20 min read

Jo Glanville: Why the right to truth matters

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