Media body asks PM to ensure journalists' safety during demonstrations

The head of Poland's National Media Council has asked the prime minister take urgent action to ensure the safety of journalists covering street protests as well protecting their editorial offices and equipment.

In a letter to Mateusz Moroawiecki, seen by PAP, Krysztof Czabanski drew the prime minister’s attention to claims that in recent months journalists have faced aggression from participants of protests organised by the Women's Strike movement.

The group has led protests over an October ruling by the Constitutional Tribunal that all but banned abortions in Poland.

Public radio and television, which faces many accusations of being biased in favour of the government, has, it appears, attracted unwanted attention.

"Last weekend journalists of Polish Radio Poznan were physically attacked while reporting on the course of such a demonstration and the radio's building was devastated," Czabanski wrote. "Demonstration organisers have publically called for acts of violence against journalists and for the destruction of their equipment and editorial offices. These are very threatening phenomena that can result in incalculable consequences. They threaten the health and life of journalists and other workers of radio and television stations, press agencies and editorial offices, both in public and private media."

The council chief requested that Morawiecki take action to protect journalists.