In Poland, a prosecutor’s remark during a news conference upset a TV Republika journalist, prompting a court to uphold the prosecutor’s decision in October.
Prosecutor’s Question at November Conference
The incident occurred during a November press conference of Prosecutor Anna Adamiak, spokesperson for the current general prosecutor Adam Bodnar. Adamiak answered questions about the Constitutional Tribunal’s ruling on former national prosecutor Dariusz Barski and was asked by TV Republika journalist Michał Jelonk to respond. She interrupted the reporter, asking, “Have you been prepared?” and reminded that the prosecutor’s office stands to guard the rule of law.
Reporter’s Frustrated Reply and Media Response
The reporter cut her off and replied that he could see her with a large bag, questioning whether she had been prepared. He urged her to maintain professional standards during the conference and noted that emotions should not dominate a discussion about law. The episode was captured on video and later shared on the X platform, sparking public debate.
Accusations of Threat – Legal Context
TV Republika termed the prosecutor’s remarks an “obvious threat” and linked them to a prior criminal charge under Article 212 of the Penal Code that had been brought against the reporter a few months earlier. The prosecutor’s team had filed a private indictment in March of the preceding year, accusing him of defamation in a separate case.
Prosecutor’s Statement Declared Non‑Threat
An MP from the ruling party filed a complaint with prosecution, claiming the reporter might be a victim of an unlawful threat of imprisonment. Tarnów district prosecutor declined to open an investigation, stating Adamiak’s words were a reaction to the reporter’s previous accusations and that there was no basis for a threat to press freedom or to specific journalists.
Court Maintains Prosecutor’s Decision
The reporter’s lawyer lodged an appeal against the prosecutor’s decision. The Warsaw District Court, early October, upheld the decision, citing that the prosecutor had taken all necessary steps to establish the facts of the case and that the decision was procedurally sound.
