The Prague Regional Court has issued a verdict mandating opposition leader and former Prime Minister Andrej Babis (ANO) to issue a public apology to investigative journalist Pavla Holcova for a derogatory Facebook post. The court’s decision, rendered in May, came to light as Marie Wichterlova from Investigace.cz, where Holcova serves as the editor-in-chief, announced the outcome.

The court’s directive requires Babis to publish the apology on social media within three days of the ruling’s enforcement.

The offensive incident traces back to April when Babis shared a composite image on his Facebook profile featuring Holcova, accompanied by text implying a conspiracy between Babis and George Soros to spread false information during a presidential election. The article targeted Holcova after her investigative platform, Investigace.cz, unveiled findings from the “Pandora Papers,” revealing undisclosed offshore holdings of various politicians and public figures, including Babis.

The Prague-West District Court initially ruled last December that Babis must remove the post from social media. Both parties, Holcova and Babis, appealed the decision. Subsequently, in May, the regional appeals court affirmed the removal order and extended it to include a public apology.

In its ruling, the regional court emphasized Babis’s position as an experienced politician and public figure, stressing the responsibility he carries for the content and form of his social media posts. The decision recognizes the significance of journalism in upholding democratic principles and emphasizes the need for safeguarding journalists against unwarranted disruptions in their activities.

Pavla Holcova welcomed the court’s decision as a resounding endorsement of journalistic integrity and ethical standards. She expressed the belief that it is essential for journalists to stand against politicians who resort to unwarranted attacks, thereby ensuring the robust functioning of democratic governance.

This case is poised to shape the future standards of accountability for politicians regarding defamatory online posts, igniting a crucial conversation surrounding the interplay of social media, free expression, and responsible political discourse. As public figures are held to a higher standard of online conduct, this verdict establishes a precedent for the responsible use of social platforms in the realm of political communication.

Article by Prague Forum