On 14 October 2024 investigative journalist Grzegorz Rzeczkowski (@RzeczkowskiG), who works for Newsweek Polska (https://www.newsweek.pl/), revealed via his X ( formerly known as Twitter ) account that he had reported threats to the prosecutor’s office. The threats were allegedly linked to his reporting on individuals connected to Russian entities. Authors of the threats tried to force him to resign from describing the activities of people with ties to Russia. According to Rzeczkowski, these threats included attempts to coerce him into halting his work and were accompanied by warnings of a smear campaign and even destruction of his reputation. After consulting with legal advisors, Rzeczkowski decided to notify the authorities, asking them to take action to ensure his safety, as well as that of his family.
You can read his statement here: https://x.com/RzeczkowskiG/status/1845808912492065134
Rzeczkowski’s concerns emerged just as his new book “Putin’s Spies: How Kremlin Agents Are Taking Over Poland” (Szpiedzy Putina. Jak ludzie Kremla opanowują Polskę), was released by WAB Publishing House. In a public statement, he pointed out that the intimidation not only targeted him but also the publishing house, which was pressured before the book’s launch. This latest book delves into the influence of Russian agents in Poland, touching upon those who would prefer to silence the journalist.
Given the seriousness of the threats, Rzeczkowski expressed fears for his well-being, stating that he could not rule out risks to his health or life. He emphasized the importance of the authorities’ swift response to protect freedom of speech and prevent further intimidation of journalists in Poland.
Rzeczkowski has had an extensive career covering national security and intelligence issues, having previously worked with Polityka (https://www.polityka.pl/), Gazeta Wyborcza, Dziennik, Polska The Times, Metro and Przekrój, and authored several investigative books on topics concerning Russian influence and internal political conflicts in Poland. His latest work shines a light on the extent of Russian operations within Polish political and economic spheres, sparking the backlash he now faces. Rzeczkowski is also director of the Centre for Disinformation Research founded by Collegium Civitas in Warsaw in June 2024. The center will focus on researching disinformation, particularly within social media, and educating the public about the associated risks and develop strategies to counteract disinformation and collaborate with research institutions and non-governmental organizations both in Poland and internationally.
The situation underscores the broader risks faced by journalists in Poland who investigate sensitive geopolitical topics, with both the journalist and his publisher becoming targets of intimidation as a result of their work.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the threats made against investigative journalist Grzegorz Rzeczkowski following his work on Russian influence in Poland. SEEMO stresses that such intimidation tactics against journalists are an attack on press freedom and democracy. SEEMO urges the relevant authorities to ensure Rzeczkowski’s safety and to investigate this case thoroughly. SEEMO will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that justice is served, and the perpetrators of these threats are held accountable. Journalists must be able to work freely without fear for their safety.
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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