His Excellency Lech Walesa
President of the Republic of Poland
Warsaw
Poland
Vienna, 27 September 1994
Your Excellency,
The International Press Institute (IPI), representing over 2000 journalists and editors from leading newspapers, magazines and broadcasting organizations and news agencies in over 85 countries, is most concerned about the adoption by a lower chamber of the State Diet of the Law on State Secrets, on 15 September 1994.
IPI is informed that the new law, presently discussed by the Senate, provides a very extensive list of what can be considered “State Secrets.” However, this is not detailed enough and therefore is open to a much too flexible interpretation. This is clearly seen in the section dealing with “Administrative Secrets”, for example. Furthermore, the new law still contains many of the provisions of the old law, which have a repressive character. An amendment that would allow journalists to reveal State secrets if “in the general interests of the society,” was rejected by the diet. Violators of the new law risk fine or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
IPI is concerned that the new law contains many elements which could place severe limitations on freedom of the press. Therefore, we urge you to use your utmost influence to see that this text is rejected as is, or is amended in a more liberal way which would guarantee freedom of reporting.
I should be most grateful if you were to give this appeal your personal attention.
Yours sincerely,
Johann P. Fritz
Director