https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/12/poland-pushes-through-new-media-law-and-angers-the-us-.html
Anthony Blinken, Secretary of State: We are deeply concerned that today the Polish Parliament passed legislation severely restricting the process for Holocaust survivors and their families, as well as other Jewish and non-Jewish property owners, to obtain compensation for property illegally confiscated during the rule of communist Poland. era. We urge President Duda not to sign the bill into law or that, in keeping with the power granted to him as president, he would refer the bill to the Constitutional Court of Poland. Comprehensive law is needed to resolve expropriation claims to provide a measure of justice to victims. Such a law would benefit many Polish citizens, as well as people who were forced to leave Poland during and after World War II and who subsequently became naturalized citizens of other countries. Until such a law is enacted, the path to compensation should not be closed to new claims or those pending decisions in administrative courts.
The United States is also deeply troubled by a bill passed today by the lower house of the Polish parliament targeting the most watched independent news station, which is also one of the largest American investments in the country. Poland has worked for decades to promote a vibrant and free media. This bill would significantly weaken the media environment that the Polish people have long worked to build. Free and independent media make our democracies stronger, the transatlantic alliance more resilient, and fundamental to the bilateral relationship. Substantial US commercial investment in Poland ties our prosperity together and enhances our collective security. The bill threatens media freedom and could undermine Poland’s strong investment climate.
Poland is an important NATO ally and understands that the transatlantic alliance is based on mutual commitments to shared democratic values ​​and prosperity. Such legislation contradicts the principles and values ​​that underpin modern democratic states. We urge the Government of Poland to demonstrate its commitment to these common principles not only in words, but also in deeds.
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