Poland
Polish president threatens broadcast journalistPosted Nov 10 2008
Immediately following an Oct. 15 interview for TVN24’s program Dot on the I, Poland’s President Lech Kaczynski allegedly threatened the journalist who had questioned him.
Kaczynski is said to have verbally berated reporter Monika Olejnik, accusing her of working under code-names for the special services. Olejnik had asked the president about his decision to attend the European Union summit and about a former Polish president’s candidacy to be a member of a group that advises the EU.
According to Reporters Without Borders, Kaczynski harassed Olejnik in the presence of several witnesses, saying, “I am going to deal with you. I am going to have you crushed. You are on my short list, and you are going to regret it. The special services agents and the [TV station] will not manage to defend you.”
The president called Olejnik later that same day to request forgiveness; Olejnik accepted Kaczynski’s apology.
TVN24 issued a complaint against President Kazcynski.
“This is an unprecedented event that is very disturbing for press freedom, the basis of democracy,” a station spokesperson said.