A Warsaw court annulled a 145,000 złoty fine levied against Polish Television (TVP) by the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) for a report on Father Tadeusz Rydzyk’s “Arcydzieło Rydzyka.”
Report Details Controversial Museum Funding
TVP’s report, “Arcydzieło Rydzyka” (Rydzyk’s Masterpiece), broadcast on December 13, 2024, detailed previously unknown information regarding controversies surrounding the construction of the “Memory and Identity” Museum, including financial irregularities.
The report highlighted that the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage allocated approximately 206 million złoty to the museum’s creation, in collaboration with the Lux Veritatis Foundation, headed by Father Tadeusz Rydzyk.
NIK Audit Reveals Concerns Over Ownership
An audit by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) confirmed the findings of TVP’s investigative program “Raport Specjalny.” NIK determined that the agreement raised concerns about the potential for the state-funded cultural institution to become entirely privately owned.
The audit also revealed that the Ministry lacked independent decision-making power regarding the museum’s director, as the Lux Veritatis Foundation had approval rights over appointments and dismissals.
Court Sides with TVP, KRRiT to Appeal
The Warsaw District Court sided with TVP in its appeal against the KRRiT fine, stating there were no grounds to punish the public broadcaster and that the program constituted “permissible public debate” without violating broadcasting laws.
TVP stated that this decision marks another instance of a KRRiT ruling by Maciej Świrski being overturned by the courts, citing similar outcomes in cases involving broadcasting fees.
KRRiT Plans Appeal
The KRRiT announced it will file a written request for the court’s reasoning and intends to appeal the decision, meaning the case remains ongoing.
The ruling is not final.
