Key players withdraw from Slovak media freedom platform over controversial state nominee

The Investigative Centre of Jan Kuciak (ICJK) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have suspended their participation in the state-run press freedom platform, citing the inappropriate nomination of a new member linked to a media outlet spreading disinformation.

Both organisations addressed their departure from the state-run Platform for the Promotion of Press Freedom and the Protection of Journalists in an open letter to Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová (for SNS) on Wednesday.

In the letter, they expressed their “deep concern” over the decision to replace prominent anti-corruption activist Zuzana Petková with Dominik Papala, who has been affiliated with a media outlet flagged for publishing disinformation content.

“The platform plays a significant role in Slovakia's membership in the EU and the Council of Europe. We fear this intervention will jeopardise its effectiveness and international standing,” the letter reads.

Both ICJK and RSF view Papala's choice as “an attempt to sabotage the dialogue between the state and journalists”, citing his lack of the necessary professional qualifications.

In July, five members of the Platform requested that the nomination be reconsidered, but their appeal was rejected. Under these circumstances, the ICJK and RSF said they will not participate in future Platform meetings, although they will remain members.

“No matter what the government of a democratic state looks like, we believe in engagement with its institutions. Yet, any attempt to violate the rules of this dialogue must not be left without consequences,” stated the head of RSF’s EU- Balkans Desk, Pavol Szalai.

Slovakia's Platform for the Promotion of Press Freedom and the Protection of Journalists comprises 19 government, NGO and media representatives and was established by the previous government as part of the international Open Government Partnership.

One of its main goals is to contribute to implementing international commitments, including those outlined in the European Commission's reports on the rule of law. The platform also seeks justice for the murder of Slovak investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová, in February 2018.

Launched shortly after Robert Fico took office in October 2023, the platform's goals have been tested. Fico's government frequently attacks the media, labelling it "enemy", "anti-government" or "anti-Slovak".

The government has refused to engage with several mainstream media outlets, including Euractiv Slovakia, which has been unable to get answers from the ruling coalition parties - Smer, Hlas and SNS - for months.

The European Commission is also currently examining the recent reform of the Slovak public broadcaster RTVS, which increased state control over the medium. The move has raised concerns about press freedom in the country.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]