Slovakia: Radio Presenter Receives Death, Rape and Torture Threats Following Debate – CFWIJ Condemns Attacks

Location: Slovakia, Bratislava
Date: March 3, 2023

Radio presenter and editor at RTVS, Marta Jančkárová receives a barrage of death, rape and threats following broadcast of current affairs show. Police are investigating and authorities have condemned the targeting of the journalist. The Coalition For Women In Journalism vehemently condemns these sexist attacks on an established and reputable political journalist. Those threatening her, as well as political actors who are fueling attempts to denigrate Jančkárová, should be held accountable. Journalists should be free to cover political parties without fear of intimidation. 

Marta Jančkárová began receiving serious death and rape threats by email and phone from an anonymous person on February 17. This followed the broadcast of an RTVS current affairs show that she hosts. Threats escalated the next week after political party Smer accused RTVS of “censorship” after a debate Jančkárová moderated. 

"Colleagues were worried about my safety,” said Jančkárová in an interview. “My boss immediately informed the relevant authorities. Not only did NAKA (police) immediately start investigating the matter, but I also received police protection. I appreciate it.

Broadcaster RTVS issued a statement condemning the threats and filed a complaint to police. “In e-mails, unknown persons threaten Marta Jančkárová with extremely vulgar and aggressive language, physical liquidation, torture, mass rape, harm to her family members, etc”, it said. On February 26, Slovak police announced on Facebook that the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) had opened an investigation.

TV station accused of censorship for refusing to allow replacement of debater 

On February 24, Jančkárová hosted a debate between governing party OĽaNO and opposition Smer party on its Saturday Dialogues show. The debate had been scheduled to include the acting Minister of Defence, Jaroslav Naď (OĽaNO), and Marián Kéry (Smer). However, shortly before recording Smer informed RTVS it would send MP Ľuboš Blaha instead. RTVS refused to allow Smer to replace their debate candidate on such short notice and the show was broadcast without a representative from the party. 

Jančkárová explained on-air at the beginning of the show that the Smer-SD spokesperson had confirmed Kery's participation as recently as on Wednesday (February 22). "Shortly before the show, however, Smer-SD vice-chair Luboš Blaha showed up to the radio building unannounced. The spokesperson, however, hadn't announced any changes or excused Mr. Kery from the show, which was shot on Friday (February 24) morning due to the itinerary of the interim Defence Ministry. Because of this, we're applying the principle of an empty seat," Jančkárová added.”

In its statement, broadcaster RTVS said that threats against Jančkárová were made after Smer accused the show of censoring its politician. “RTVS warns the representatives of political parties about the possible connection of these threatening emails with the increasing aggressiveness of communication in the public space and the spread of hatred towards journalists”, it said. “We consider it inadmissible for political entities to abuse RTVS broadcasts for pre-election marketing activities. RTVS is a public, independent institution that prepares its programs and shows in the spirit of the principles of editorial responsibility. Political parties cannot arbitrarily change the guests that RTVS has invited to the shows, because RTVS program staff decide on the composition of guests in accordance with the applicable legislation.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned about the harassment faced by Marta Jančkárová. We applaud the Slovakian police for recognizing the serious nature of these threats and for conducting an investigation swiftly. Five years ago in Slovakia journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were murdered because of his investigative reporting. Threats against journalists should not be taken lightly. We call on the political party Smer to stop using harmful rhetoric that incites hatred towards journalists in Slovakia. Journalists should be able to host and moderate political debates without intimidation.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.