Lech Poznań's fans during the match against Lechia Gdańsk hung a banner that parodyd the celebrated John Lennon song "Imagine". The banner proclaimed: ‘Imagine all the people f* communism’, which in free translation means: ‘Imagine that all people p*** communism’. This act of Lech's fans referred to a loud scandal involving sports writer Przemysław Babiarz, who caused a storm in the media and a debate about freedom of speech.
Controversy around the Babiant Industry
Przemysław Babiarz, a well-known sports writer of Polish Television, was suspended after he mentioned in his coverage of the beginning of the Olympic Games in Paris that John Lennon's song "Imagine" refers to communism. The TVP's communication raised the words about the journalist's "scandal speeches", which sparked a wide public debate.
TVP reaction and withdrawal of suspension
After causing a immense stir, TVP withdrew its decision to suspend Przemysław Babiarz. The gathering of the director-general of TVP Tomasz Sygut and manager of TVP athletics Jakub Kwiatkowski with Babar resulted in the withdrawal of the journalist's suspension. According to Virtual Poland portal, the state tv message states:
"Today in Warsaw there was a gathering of the director-general of Polish tv Tomasz Sygut and manager of TVP athletics Jakub Kwiatkowski with Przemysław Babiarz. As a consequence of the talks, at the request of TVP athletics director, Tomasz Sygut withdrew the suspension of the commentator in the coverage of the Olympics in Paris."
Debate on freedom of expression
The Babiarist case sparked a broad discussion on freedom of speech and limits of journalistic objectivity. civilian Rights Ombudsman Marcin Wiązek addressed a letter to the head of TVP, demanding clarification on the matter. Jakub Kwiatkowski, manager of TVP Sport, stated that Babiarz "has committed himself to the mission which we have entrusted as sports journalists to public television".
Social and political responses
This event was met with a broad social response. Even liberal commentators, specified as Jakub Wojewódzki, criticized the operation of TVP authorities. Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the situation in an ironic way:
"In fact, it is unclear what was stupider: Mr. Babianz's comment or his superiors' decision. In both cases, the Olympic level.”
The Back of the Indigenous Babiar to Work
Przemysław Babiarz will return to his commentator function tomorrow, reporting athletics competitions during the Olympics in Paris. According to Virtual Poland, Babiarz will proceed his work according to the established schedule.
Summary
The banner displayed by fans of Lech Poznań and controversy related to Przemysław Babiarz are events that highlighted the issue of freedom of speech in public media. These discussions show how delicate the boundaries between journalistic objectivity and subjective comments can be. This situation has besides highlighted how powerfully society responds to attempts to restrict freedom of expression, especially in the context of specified crucial events as the Olympic Games.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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“Imagine all the people f*** communism”. Lech Poznań fans parody John Lennon's song
