Sławomir Mentzen, 1 of the leaders of the Confederate and candidate in the presidential election, warns against the possible effects of the fresh bill introducing censorship of content on the Internet. According to the policy, the proposal of the Ministry of Digitalism could mean a return to practices from the times of the Polish People's Republic, where decisions to block information were made without judicial supervision.
We would like to remind you that the UKE, which according to the plans is to receive the censor's powers, does not have the statutory powers of a court which is the only right to issue specified a ruling. The planned changes will so violate the constitutional right to court. It is worth noting here that the president of UKE will conduct administrative proceedings in this case without the participation of the organization concerned, resulting in a breach of Article 10(1) of the Code. We remind you that the alleged preventive censorship that we may face in the event of implementation of the demands of the Tusk government is legally prohibited in Article 54 of the Constitution.
Controversial proposal of the digitisation department
The Digital Ministry proposed that the president of the Electronic Communications Office (UKE) should have the right to issue orders to block content on the Internet. These decisions would be taken without the request to get the consent of the court, and those publishing content deemed inappropriate would be informed of their removal only after the fact.
According to the information disclosed by the diary of Legal Newspaper, this regulation is included in the Digital Services Act (DSA) – the EU law on the operation of digital services, which Poland is obliged to implement under its obligations to the European Commission.
Mentzen: “The Government of Tusk wants to introduce censorship of the Internet!”
Sławomir Mentzen does not hold outrage against the government's proposal. In 1 of the posts on social media, the politician wrote:
“The Government of Tuska wants to introduce censorship of the Internet! Like totalitarian states, he wants to remove content by decision of an official, without the approval of the court!”
Mentzen compared the proposed changes to censorship from the times of the Polish People's Republic, stressing that freedom of speech is 1 of the fundamental rights of citizens. He declared that as president he would veto any draft law limiting this freedom.
Appeal to Rafał Trzaskowski
In his speech Mentzen besides addressed another candidates for the office of President, including Rafał Trzaskowski from the Civic Coalition.
"Will the another candidates besides defend freedom of speech? I call on Rafał Trzaskowski to make a clear statement, is he in favour of the freedom of speech he wants to censor the government of his party?"
Constitution as the foundation of freedom of expression
Article 54 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland explicitly prohibits preventive censorship, guaranteeing citizens freedom of expression, obtaining and disseminating information. The proposals to restrict this freedom rise concerns not only among opposition politicians but besides among human rights organisations.
Criticism by the KRRiT
The National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) expressed its strong opposition to the announcement of restrictions on freedom of speech in Poland. In a published message on the draft law implementing the DSA, the Council identifies the proposal as a "plan to introduce censorship on the Internet".
What about freedom of speech in Poland?
Plans to introduce fresh regulations on blocking content on the net rise serious controversy and ask questions about the future of freedom of speech in Poland. As this subject continues to be developed, it will be crucial to monitor the actions of the government and the positions occupied by the opposition and social organisations. A joint effort could be made to keep a balance between the protection of civilian rights and the implementation of obligations under EU law.
The Tusk government wants to introduce net censorship! Like totalitarian states, he wants to remove content by decision of an official, without the approval of the court!
This is an effort to return to censorship from the times of the Polish People's Republic!
I declare that I will veto any effort to restrict freedom of speech. Will the another candidates be...
— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) January 14, 2025
More here:
"Totalitarianism". Mentzen requests Trzaskovsky to make a clear message regarding views on censorship
