Poland: Ex-PM Falsely Links Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz to Russian Spy – WPF Condemns Attempt to Discredit
December 17, 2024 - Poland, Warsaw
Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz, a journalist at TVP, is suing former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki for defamation after he falsely accused her of having ties to a Russian spy.
The accusation came after Dobrosz-Oracz asked Morawiecki about his involvement in the "Stop Russia Now" campaign as part of an investigation.
Pavel Rubtsov, also known as Pablo González Yagüe, is a Russian-Spanish journalist who worked as a Russian military intelligence operative before his arrest in Poland. He was later exchanged in a prisoner swap involving RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich, and other Russian dissidents imprisoned in Russia.
By linking Dobrosz-Oracz to Rubtsov, the former Prime Minister was trying to deflect from important questions about possible misconduct and discredit the journalist. Dobrosz-Oracz swiftly rejected the claim she was associated with the Russian spy, calling it "slander."
Women Press Freedom stands with Dobrosz-Oracz and all journalists uncovering the truth. We condemn this attack against her and believe it is an attempt to discredit a journalist for asking tough questions.
WPF is outraged by the Turkish drone strike that killed journalists Jihan Belki and Nazim Dashdam near the Tishrin Dam, on the outskirts of Kobani. They were reporting on attacks on the dam when, according to local human rights groups, their vehicle was "directly" targeted.
On December 18, 2024, the Bishkek City Court upheld the sentences for several journalists involved in the Temirov Live case.
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Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz, a journalist at TVP, is suing former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki for defamation after he falsely accused her of having ties to a Russian spy.
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Detained and released under judicial control, Mengü is now under a travel ban. A bot-driven smear campaign has also been used to target her online.
We call on the Philippine authorities to end these chilling tactics and respect the rights of journalists.
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Volha Radzivonava sentenced to 4 years in prison for “insulting the president” and “discrediting Belarus.”
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the brutal murder of journalist Hanan Adam and her brother by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Chișinău Mayor Ion Ceban calls journalists "alcoholics," "clowns," & "sycophants," accusing them of serving the govt. Those targeted by the outrageous accusations included journalists Nata Albot and Mariana Rață.
On December 9, 2024, Espreso TV journalist Maria Ivanovska was threatened by an armed man in Kremenchuk while investigating alleged sales of banned Russian oil products.
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Multiple journalists from independent outlet Meydan TV including Khayala Agayeva, Aynur Elgunesh, Aysel Umudova and others, detained by Azerbaijani authorities.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze, who was attacked live on air by multiple masked men reportedly tied to the Georgian government.
We reiterate our call to drop all charges against her and join the #FreeNarges to call again for her full release.
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The journalist is being accused of the “appropriation and disclosure of a national defense secret.” She faces a potential 5-year prison sentence and a €75k fine if convicted.
On December 4, 2024, police raided the homes of journalists Mónica Rodríguez & Steve Magaña, known for their human rights work.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze insulted Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili during a press conference, calling her "miserable" and accusing her of taking "dirty money."
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marine's family and loved ones and urge authorities to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into her untimely passing.
A man, who appeared uninvited and became verbally aggressive, forced the group to abandon the interview
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WPF stands in solidarity with Rachel Yonkunas, an Emmy-winning investigative reporter, who is suing News12 Long Island for gender-based discrimination after being unfairly sidelined and fired.
