Police searched the wPolsce24 television station on Monday, May 18, after an anonymous caller reported dangerous materials in the building, prompting claims of political intimidation from opposition figures.
Police Intervention and Political Reaction
The wPolsce24 newsroom reported the presence of services on Monday, May 18, after an anonymous tip to the 112 emergency line alleged that explosives were stored in the facility’s garage. A duty officer from the Metropolitan Police Headquarters confirmed the intervention was based on safety concerns, but noted that no threats were discovered upon inspection.
Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described the event as an “alarm signal” for citizens, framing the police action as an attempt by the authorities to silence inconvenient media. Przemysław Czarnek, the Law and Justice (PiS) candidate for prime minister, echoed these sentiments, condemning the use of state services for what he termed political games and intimidation.
Series of False Alarms and Provocations
The search follows a similar incident on Sunday, May 17, when officers were dispatched to the private property of PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński following an electronic report of explosive devices in his garden. PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek characterized the incident as part of an escalating series of provocations against the opposition.
Karolina Gałecka, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, dismissed accusations of political bias. She pointed out that similar false bomb threats had occurred during the previous administration’s tenure, urging politicians to step back and allow services to perform their duties without manufacturing a national crisis.
Escalating Threats Against Right-Wing Media
On Friday, May 15, police also intervened at the residence of Tomasz Sakiewicz, editor-in-chief of Telewizja Republika, where an assistant was handcuffed. Police stated the action was a response to an online report alleging a person was in immediate danger at the location, though the individual on-site refused to cooperate with officers.
Michał Rachoń, program director at TV Republika, stated that the station and its employees have been the targets of multiple false reports involving claims of physical injury, death threats, and property damage.