The report “The Power of Lies”, first broadcast on TVN24 on 12 September 2022, is the result of months of work by Piotr Świerczek, a journalist for TVN24’s “Czarno na białym”. The author obtained recordings, photographs and international expert analyses concerning the 2010 Smolensk disaster which, although commissioned by the so-called Smolensk subcommittee of Antoni Macierewicz, never appeared in its reports, including the latest one, which was supposed to be the final report.
These materials either directly rule out an attack, or indicate a disaster as the cause of the tragedy. Świerczek also spoke to people who worked for the subcommittee but disagree with its conclusions that an attack took place in Smolensk. What is more, the journalist’s interviewees explicitly say that their research was manipulated or selectively used to support theses predetermined by the subcommittee.
Statement by the editorial teams of TVN’s “Fakty” and TVN24 concerning “The Power of Lies”
2 January 2023
In the TVN24 report “The Power of Lies”, we questioned the reliability of the work of the so-called Macierewicz subcommittee. We revealed facts omitted from the American NIAR report, as well as accounts from people who took part in the work of the Smolensk subcommittee.
At Antoni Macierewicz’s request, the National Broadcasting Council, instead of safeguarding freedom of speech, wants to punish us for this. The sole purpose of such a penalty is an attempt to restrict journalistic criticism related to the subcommittee’s activities. This is unacceptable in light of the constitutional duties of the press, which is obliged to monitor public institutions.
At TVN, we will publish facts regardless of whom they make uncomfortable. Our viewers have the right to know what those in power do not want to reveal. That is what freedom of speech means.
“The Power of Lies” is a report that has received numerous awards; its author is, among other distinctions, a Grand Press winner. The report is available on the tvn24.pl website.