On 9 November 2020, during the Second Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM), our advocacy officer, Katarzyna Szczypska, urged the OSCE bodies to pressure the Polish authorities to stop using blasphemy laws to police speech.
Topics
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- "Meal For a Doctor" campaign
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- Rule of law in Poland
- Magnitsky Act
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Tag: Poland
ODF’s & Themis’s input to the UN’s Annual Report on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
We are very proud to see our input included in the UN Report of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Diego García-Sayán. The report focuses on the disciplinary proceedings against judges for alleged misconduct in the exercise of their functions. It also covers “disguised” sanctions imposed on judges with the aim […]
ODF holds online hearing for MEPs with persecuted Polish judges
On October 8, 2020 we had the pleasure of organising an online hearing for Members of the European Parliament under the title “How should the EU support the Polish judiciary?”, featuring persecuted Polish judges Beata Morawiec and Dariusz Mazur, with additional expertise provided by Prof. Laurent Pech. The event was co-hosted by MEPs Róza Thun […]
Financial Summary of the aid action #MealForADoctor conducted from 16 March to 15 May 2020
The action “Meal for a Doctor” (#MealForADoctor) was organised on the initiative of Patryk Wachowiec, legal analyst of the FOR (Civil Development Forum) Foundation and Marcin Mycielski, Member of the Board of Directors of the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) on 15 March 2020, in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic that put, among others, the Polish health service in an unprecedented situation. The so-called lockdown introduced in Poland on the night of 13/14 March 2020 forced the immediate closure of restaurants, which from then on could only operate by delivering ordered meals. In these circumstances, the idea of supporting doctors, nurses, paramedics and all other healthcare professionals by providing them with free meals at the workplace was born. A secondary, yet important intention of the originators was the desire to help the small catering industry survive the crisis.
Finalising the settlement of the action #PosiłekDlaLekarza: 58,000 zlotys for City Hospital No. 4 in Gliwice
Today, Rafał Matouszek, Logistics Coordinator at the Open Dialogue Foundation, visited Silesia – his home region. During the special mission, Rafał met with the management of City Hospital No. 4 in Gliwice in order to sign a donation agreement for the amount of over 58,000 zlotys that remained after settlements with restaurants as part of the #PosiłekDlaLekarza (eng. MealForADoctor) campaign. The campaign was carried out together with the FOR (Civil Development Forum) Foundation and the Niskie Składki (Low Contributions) and Spontaniczny Sztab Obywatelski (Spontaneous Civic Staff) associations.
Onet: Grant from the US Embassy in Poland to the Open Dialogue Foundation
he Open Dialogue Foundation, headed by Lyudmyla Kozlovska, received PLN 71,000 from the U.S. Department of State for the promotion of the rule of law in Poland. – at the same time, the Onet.pl news site pointed out that the President herself, who is a Ukrainian citizen, cannot come to Poland as her name is on the national list of undesirable persons.
Forsal: Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s foundation received a grant from the Department of State
On the 8th of July 2020, Forsal reported that the Open Dialogue Foundation received a grant from the U.S. Department of State for the promotion of rule of law in Poland.
naTemat: The foundation hated by PiS received support from the US
The Open Dialogue Foundation will educate secondary school students in Poland in the rule of law, including the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. It’s a new idea that was funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy.
ODF receives a grant from the American embassy. Dziennik.pl: USA supports the biggest enemy of the Law and Justice party
On 8 July 2020, Dziennik.pl published information that the Open Dialogue Foundation received funds from the U.S. Department of State to promote the idea of the rule of law in Poland
Democracy Fitness – rule of law education with support from the US Government
Our new project, “Democracy fitness: transforming citizens into active stakeholders via exercising democracy”, financed by the State Department through the US Embassy in Warsaw, is aimed at secondary school students in Poland. The aim of the project is to strengthen the understanding of democratic values and processes as well as foster civic participation. Emphasis will be placed on educational activities in the area of the rule of law, including the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary. It is planned to start in September 2020.
Polish citizens deprived of their “right to know”. Our intervention at OSCE
Since the Law and Justice party (PiS) came to power in 2015, the Polish authorities purposefully obstruct access to information – either by refusing to provide information, delays in responding or delivering incomplete information. This both unconstitutional and undemocratic practice is yet another example of Poland going rogue under the PiS leadership, stated our advocacy officer, Katarzyna Szczypska, at the Second Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM), and urged the OSCE bodies to take a firm stance and discipline the Polish authorities to comply with the organisation’s principles.
Europa United Eurochat podcast – Polish Presidential election special with Martin Mycielski
On Monday, June 22nd, less than a week before the first round of the Polish presidential election, our colleague Martin Mycielski was a guest on a special edition of the Europa United Eurochat podcast. The episode was entirely focused on the upcoming election, so after a few questions about ODF and our work Martin dove into the history of the office of the President and its former holders, to then give an overview of the current candidates, their views and chances.
Could Polish president Duda’s anti-LGBT rhetoric spell trouble for PiS?
Polish President Andrzej Duda’s focus on the “LGBT threat” is a retreat to a well-used trope ahead of the presidential elections. But will it work, asks Martin Mycielski.
World’s leading legal scholars in defence of judge Tuleya – ODF’s follow-up letter to the European Commission
Today, on June 9, 2020, the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court is holding a closed hearing regarding lifting the immunity of judge Igor Tuleya. This and other glaring violations of ECJ judgements and EU law have compelled the world’s leading legal scholars to sign a follow-up letter by ODF and Prof. Laurent Pech to the European Commission regarding the deterioration of the rule of law in Poland.
Report: How Hate Kills. Hate Crimes in Poland in 2019
The last five years have been a period of rapid changes on the political scene in Poland – in 2015, presidential and parliamentary elections were held, and the election campaigns often referred to the dangers of immigration, aroused fears of refugees or Islamists, and appealed to anti-Semitic and anti-Ukrainian sentiments. At the same time, Europe faced the challenge of receiving and integrating large groups of immigrants and refugees from Africa and the Middle East. Although this process was not visible in Poland, it became a subject of lively public debate, accompanied by real government action in this field.
Hate unmasked: new report on hate crimes in Poland
Over 70 instances of hate crimes on racist, homophobic, anti-semitic, xenophobicand other grounds. This grim record is a result of Open Dialogue’s latest investigation into hate crimes in Poland. The report covers the period stretching from January to December 2019, and complements the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) annual reporting on “hate incidents” across the OSCE area. Most alarmingly, the report reveals a hate crime-conducive environment with the authorities turning a blind eye, or – worst still – being complicit in endorsing and spreading intolerance, stigmatisation, discrimination or even incitement to violence.
Addressing the state-sponsored discrimination in Kazakhstan and Poland at an OSCE meeting
On May 25-26th, our Maksym Sytnikov and Katarzyna Szczypska, addressed the issues of ethnic tensions and ethnic discrimination in Kazakhstan and state-sponsored hatred by the public media in Poland at the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM).
Can Rafał Trzaskowski reverse the fortunes of Poland’s opposition?
In an interview with Emerging Europe, ODF representatives Katarzyna Szczypska and Martin Mycielski spoke about the strengths and weaknesses of the delayed start of the opposition candidate Rafał Trzaskowski in Polish presidential election, his chances of defeating the current President and also why these elections may be the last fight for the Polish democracy.
Moldova has closed the political investigation against Lyudmyla Kozlovska
On 11 May 2020, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Moldova announced the discontinuation of the investigation against the head of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska.
Gazeta Prawna: Moldova is withdrawing from the charges against Kozlovska
A prosecutor from Gagauzia with a colourful curriculum vitae closed the investigation against the head of ODF.
Decisive phase of the fight for the rule of law in Poland: open letter to the European Commission
The next few days and weeks will determine the fate of the Supreme Court, a key institution in the Polish legal system that is currently upholding the independence of the judiciary. In 2018 the Supreme Court was attacked by two foreign bodies, the so-called Disciplinary Chamber (ID) and the Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs (IKNiSP). Contrary to their names, they do not consist of independent judges, but of party nominees loyal to the current parliamentary majority and the Law and Justice government.
The #PosiłekDlaLekarza and #WzywamyPosiłki campaigns join forces!
The two biggest campaigns providing meals free-of-charge to health service workers fighting the coronavirus epidemic – our #MealForDoctor and #SustenanceCalling initiatives – are joining forces!
Cooperation with DzialajmyRazem.pl
As part of the #PosiłekDlaLekarza (Eng. #MealForADoctor) campaign, we are raising funds to deliver meals to healthcare workers. However, we are only one of the many support initiatives that emerged spontaneously a month ago in Poland, after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe and in response to the associated restrictions.
#PosiłekDlaLekarza is changing its operating model
The #MealForADoctor campaign has succeeded beyond our expectations. A spontaneous idea two weeks ago has gained unexpected popularity and resulted in over 500 catering establishments from all over Poland volunteering to participate. We also almost immediately reached several hundred thousand zlotys in donations and have so far raised almost 600,000 zlotys. As a result, meals have been delivered to over a hundred hospitals across the country. These are huge numbers! Your solidarity is fantastic, but it also raises some organisational challenges.
#PosiłekDlaLekarza – report on previous activities (02.04.2020)
We encourage you to read the detailed infographic summarising our activities from the very beginning of the action until 1 April.
Can the elections in May kill? Interview with Martin Mycielski for Suomen Kuvalehti
Before the announced presidential election on May 10 in Poland, the Director of Public Affairs of the Open Dialogue Foundation Martin Mycielski gave an interview to the Finnish magazine Suomen Kuvalehti, in which he assessed the real chances of conducting safe and constitutional elections.
Poland’s incredulous presidential election
As incredible as it may seem in the current climate, with most of Europe on lockdown and national elections cancelled in Serbia and North Macedonia, Poland appears determined to go ahead with its presidential vote, set to be held on May 10. A second round, if needed, would take place two weeks later
Poland’s sham presidential election in a pandemic
Some 25 countries have decided to postpone their upcoming elections, with the last few – mostly regional or in tiny states – being held in early March.
Polish media comment widely on success of #PosiłekDlaLekarza campaign
A few days ago, we wrote that the #MealForDoctor campaign had surpassed the organisers’ wildest expectations. The success of the fundraiser was also reflected in the Polish media, including online healthcare portals.
Message for restaurateurs supporting the #PosiłekDlaLekarza campaign
The #MealForDoctor campaign is proving the great power that lies in spontaneous initiatives and the generosity of the Polish people. Even in our most optimistic scenarios, we did not expect that, in less than a week, we would collect more than PLN 500,000 and provide support to almost 500 restaurants – and, as a consequence, the same help to medical doctors themselves. Your participation in the campaign and the trust you have placed in our team – which gave you no guarantees that the initiative would succeed – are extremely encouraging.
Fundraising for the #PosiłekDlaLekarza has exceeded half a million PLN!
There has been great success for the action organised by the Open Dialogue Foundation and Niskie Składki (Low Contributions) and Spontaniczny Sztab Obywatelski (Spontaneous Civic Staff) associations with the support of Patryk Wachowiec from the FOR (Civil Development Forum) Foundation. In the face of the epidemic in Poland, we have raised PLN 500,763 for meals for the health care workers who are tirelessly fighting the spread of coronavirus and helping those infected.
#PosiłekDlaLekarza campaign covers all Poland. Local media write about us
Although most of the COVID-19 cases in Poland have been recorded in Warsaw, restaurateurs from all over the country have decided to join the #MealForDoctor campaign and support local hospital workers with meals.
Fundraiser for meals for doctors fighting the coronavirus epidemic launched. Leading Polish media write about the #PosiłekDlaLekarza campaign
The Open Dialogue Foundation, the Low Contributions Association, Spontaneous Civic Campaign Headquarters and Civil Development Forum have launched an online fundraiser for meals for Polish healthcare workers, who are now spending even more time at work due to the coronavirus epidemic, leading Polish media reported.
Onet on supporting those saving our health and lives
“Poland is fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The number of people who have been confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 is growing rapidly. There are also fatalities. An epidemic emergency has broken out across the country, and medical personnel are working tirelessly. It turns out that Poles want to support the people fighting for our lives and taking care of us.” Onet.pl announced the launch of the fundraising campaign #MealForADoctor (Pol. #PosiłekDlaLekarza), whose originators want to help doctors, nurses and ambulance crews by offering them free meals from local catering outlets.
Radio Zet explains the #PosiłekDlaLekarza campaign
“‘Meal for a Doctor’ is one of the campaigns aiming to support healthcare workers in hospitals and health centres,” Radio Zet reports.“Restaurants and catering establishments from all over the country have already declared that they will provide meals to medical staff for free. Each of us can support them in implementing this idea. We look at what the ‘Meal for a Doctor’ campaign is about, who is taking part in it and how you can join in.”
Interia shares appeal from organisers of #PosiłekDlaLekarza
“‘Due to the coronavirus epidemic, health professionals have a lot of work to do. Let’s help them by paying for meals that they can order for free,’ the organisers of the action ‘Meal for the Doctor’ said in an appeal,”we read on Interia.pl.
Rzeczpospolita: #PosiłekDlaLekarza online fundraising
Less than a day after the launch of the spontaneous action aimed at supporting Polish healthcare workers during the coronavirus epidemic. Rzeczpospolita has already covered this topic. The daily magazine reported that 45,000 zlotys have already been collected for meals for doctors.
There is one goal – to help those who are “at the forefront of the fight against the disease”. TVN24 reports on #PosiłekDlaLekarza
“Doctors, nurses, ambulance crews. During the epidemic, all healthcare workers can count on a free meal from restaurants taking part in the actions #MealForADoctor (Pol. #PosiłekDlaLekarza) and #GastronomyIsHelping (Pol. #GastroPomaga),” reports TVN24, pointing out that although the two initiatives are organised by different people, their goal is the same – to help those “at the forefront of the fight against the disease”.
#PosiłekDlaLekarza: a new ODF and its partners’ campaign in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
The coronavirus epidemic is affecting all areas of our lives. However, it is most affecting health care, which is at the forefront of the fight against the disease. Doctors and medical staff are currently working at their best, often at the expense of their families and friends. It is primarily on their commitment that our ability to quickly suppress the epidemic will depend. Those hospitalised, and their loved ones, are also in a difficult situation, and are putting their hopes in the health service.
An appeal to Morawecki for aid for refugees in Poland. Open Dialogue Foundation among the signatories
In its letter to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the Open Dialogue Foundation, along with other civil society organisations, appeals to the Polish authorities for aid for refugees and, thus, fulfil their international obligations.
PACE adopts resolution on Poland with ODF’s amendments
The 2020 Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), held on 27-31 January 2020 in Strasbourg, was dominated by two topics: the returning of voting rights to Russia (which ODF strongly campaigned against), which was suspended following its annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine, and the worsening situation in regard to the rule of law in Poland.
“Law and Justice’s Campaign against Polish Judiciary” – ODF’s hearing in the European Parliament
In light of the ongoing assault on the independence of the judiciary in Poland by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party – and especially the recently-exposed hate campaign against judges and prosecutors, orchestrated by the justice ministry itself – the Renew Europe group and the Open Dialogue Foundation have organised on December 12th, 2019, a European Parliament lunch debate with prosecutors and judges persecuted in Poland.
ODF among signatories of the letter to the President of EC regarding the breach of the rule of law in Poland
Non-governmental organisations (including the Open Dialogue Foundation) and academics specialising in issues related to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, sent an open letter to the President of the European Commission, in which they call for immediate steps to stop the rapidly growing legal chaos in Poland, including prompt submission in the European Court of Justice, of an application for interim measures in Case C-791/19 Commission v Poland, pending before the Court of Justice. The full content of the letter is presented below.
Polish media about the conference organised by the ODF in the EP with the participation of persecuted Polish judges
On Thursday, 12 December 2019, the European Parliament held a conference entitled „The Law and Justice Campaign against the Polish Judiciary”, organised by the Renew Europe group and the Open Dialogue Foundation. The event found reverberation in the Polish media, both pro-government and independent.
Open Dialogue Foundation at the OSCE HDIM 2019
Between Monday 16 and Friday 27 September 2019, representatives of the Open Dialogue Foundation Xheni Dani, Joanna Cuper and Maksym Sytnikov participated in the annual OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting held in Warsaw. Our representatives delivered several statements in which they raised is
Press.pl on a ‘quick appeal’ by Press Freedom Monitoring Centre of the Union of Polish Journalists concerning ODF’s press conference
Soon after ODF’s press conference on 10 October 2019, the CMWP published an appeal on its website, calling for “all journalists and Internet users to act prudently and reliably, and not to get emotional when reporting the causes, course and content of the press conference”.
“The time has come to pay for those attacks” – Onet.pl on the Foundation’s lawsuits against PiS
During a press conference on 11 October 2019, representatives and proxies of ODF presented 20 lawsuits filed against pro-government politicians, journalists, activists and media organisations in connection with a “mass propaganda campaign” they were supposed to launch against the Foundation.
20 lawsuits filed against Law and Justice. Interim measure against TVP
On 10 October 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation filed nearly twenty of lawsuits against politicians representing the Law and Justice party and their Public Relations representatives. All these claims were presented by the ODF yesterday at a press conference.
Gazeta Wyborcza reports on Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s meeting with Emmanuel Macron
Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film director who spent five years detained in a Russian prison, and Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, who was expelled from Poland by the Law and Justice government, met in Strasburg with French President Emmanuel Macron. An account of the visi
Attacks on judges and independent prosecutors in Poland. An ODF event at the OSCE forum
Due to the intensification of attacks on judges and prosecutors belonging to the Association of Polish Independent Prosecutors, Lex Super Omnia, we held a discussion on their current situation on 26 September 2019.
Oleg Sentsov greets and thanks the Poles
On September 27, 2019, Oleg Sentsov thanked the Poles and those who from the very beginning defended not only him, but all Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia and its occupied territories.
Hate Speech as a Political Weapon Directed Against Independent Judges and Prosecutors in Poland: side event at OSCE HDIM 2019 in Warsaw
Judges Waldemar Żurek, Piotr Gąciarek and Dariusz Mazur, as well as prosecutor Krzysztof Parchimowicz, will participate in the event hosted by the Open Dialogue Foundation on 26 September, 2019, as part of OSCE’s conference on human rights.
Farewell to Bogusław Stanisławski
It was with deep sorrow and regret that we received the news of the death of Bogusław Stanisławski – our friend, a great man, Board member of the Open Dialogue Foundation in the years 2014-2018.
Application to exclude the Head of the Customs and Tax Office in Lodz
On 29 August 2019, we filed a request to exclude the Head of the Customs and Tax Office in Lodz (Pol. Urząd Celno-Skarbowy w Łodzi) due to his violation of Article 121 §1 of the Act of 29 August 1997, Tax Ordinance (Journal of Laws of 2019, item 900, as amended).
Polsat News: Law and Justice party loses to the Open Dialogue Foundation
The Voivodeship Administrative Court revoked the decision to refuse Lyudmyla Kozlovska a long-term residence permit in Poland considering that the conclusions drawn by the Internal Security Agency were not rationally based on the evidence they had gathered – Polsat News reports, citing Gazeta Prawna
Gazeta.pl: Internal Security Agency loses a case in a court battle with Lyudmyla Kozlovska. Court challenges the quality of the evidence
A Provincial Administrative Court has found that the Internal Security Agency’s conclusions regarding the president of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, are not based on the evidence presented by the agency.
Gazeta Prawna: Law and Justice party loses to Kozlovska. Court challenges quality of Internal Security Agency materials
The Voivodeship Administrative Court ruled that the conclusions drawn by the agency were not rationally derived from the evidence it has gathered.
“Wirtualna Polska” on the first reactions to the battle won by Lyudmyla Kozlovska against the Law and Justice ruling party
The head of the Open Dialogue Foundation has won her second battle against the Law and Justice ruling party. The Voivodeship Administrative Court in Warsaw rejected the decision which denied her the residence permit in Poland.
Court: Secret services’ conclusions “unreasonable”, Lyudmyla Kozlovska should have stayed in Poland
The Voivodeship Administrative Court in Warsaw has reversed the decisions taken by the Mazovian Voivode and the Head of the Office for Foreigners, refusing to grant Lyudmyla Kozlovska a long-term permit to stay in Poland.
ODF and FIDU advocated for human rights at the 28th OSCE PA Annual Session
On July 4th, in occasion of the 28th OSCE PA Annual Session, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) and the Italian Federation for Human Rights (FIDU) organised a side-event on post-elections scenarios in Ukraine, Moldova and Kazakhstan at the premises of the European Convention Centre in Luxembourg. Th
Poland’s PiS prepares ‘failsafe’ for October election
Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party doesn’t shy away from the authoritarian playbook to secure their power. While the battle with the European Commission over the rule of law rages on, PiS is discreetly trying to tweak electoral law in their favour.
Open Dialogue: Investigation by the prosecutor’s office into abuse of power to the detriment of the Foundation
On 17 July we received a notification from the District Prosecutor’s Office of Łódź-Bałuty in Łódź about the initiation of an investigation into the infringement of tax secrecy and abuse of power to the detriment of the Open Dialogue Foundation and our related company Silk Road Biuro on 5 July 2019.
DGP: Has there been power abuse against Kozlovska?
The audit of the books of account at the Open Dialogue Foundation, requested by Minister Mariusz Kamiński, lasted for over a year. Currently, the case is being looked into by the prosecutor’s office.
The Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers presented new report at UN HRC
The Open Dialogue Foundation is proud to have contributed to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers [With functioning LINK], which was presented during the 21st session of the Human Rights Council, in the framework of Item 3.
![naTemat: Senator reveals truth of PiS’s support for Russia’s return to the Council of Europe [INTERVIEW]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/9397_mid.jpg)
naTemat: Senator reveals truth of PiS’s support for Russia’s return to the Council of Europe [INTERVIEW]
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is “slightly” skirting the truth. This refers to the high-profile case of how PiS supported Russia’s reinstatement in the CoE and then protested against it. Senator A. Pociej, who knows the background to the case, reveals what it looked like in practice.
ODF statement: Stop legitimising the fascistisation of public space
We fully sympathise with civic activist Tomasz Sikora, member of Citizens of Poland [Polish: Obywatele RP] movement, who, on 3 July 2019, was illegally sentenced to two months of community service by the District Court in Warsaw (5th Criminal Division).
Hate crimes in Poland in 2018: selected cases
According to the analysis of the Ministry of Justice, in the first half of 2018, 890 cases of hate crimes were reported to Polish law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, not all criminal acts motivated by racial, xenophobic, homophobic hatred, etc., are reported to law enforcement authorities.
ODF in Washington D.C. on post-election developments in Kazakhstan and the crisis of civil rights in Poland
The ODF kicked off the summer season with a visit to Washington D.C. between the 12th and the 14th of June 2019. An ODF delegation joined Jared Genser (with his team) and Zhamilya Yerimbetova for a three-day mission in the capital.
Why do I “snitch” abroad and the right cannot stand it? Let’s remember, Law and Justice does not equal Poland
Last week – not for the first time, and probably not the last – I have been met by a wave of hatred from the right-wing community. All because we decided, together with the delegation of the Open Dialogue Foundation, to hold a series of meetings in Washington, which, by accident, overlapped with the visit of President Duda.
OKO.press: Siedlecka’s list – Judges of Freedom. 320 names now. A difficult period begins; glory be to these judges
The list of disobedient ‘judges of freedom’ continues to grow. Ewa Siedlecka receives reports about judges of common courts, who, in their judgements, showed courage and chose independence, rather than the ‘peace of mind’. The list of judges subjected to oppression is also growing.
DGP part 3: Kozlovska, Platon and the theft of the century
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs argues that they were against using the discussion about the Open Dialogue Foundation in Poland to deal with the Moldovan opposition.
DGP part 2: Minister Waszczykowski’s brother worked in the office auditing Kozlovska’s Foundation
The fiscal inspection of ODF’s activity was requested by the then head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, W. Waszczykowski. The case was transferred to the Customs and Tax Office in Łódź, which had previously been headed by Tomasz Waszczykowski, the brother of the head of the ministry of diplomacy
![DGP part 1: Kozlovska’s case. State trash lab [DGP investigations]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/9335_mid.jpg)
DGP part 1: Kozlovska’s case. State trash lab [DGP investigations]
DGP has a full report from the Moldovan Investigation Committee on the Open Dialogue Foundation. The document indicates that Poland might have cooperated on the ODF case with the special services in that country controlled by the oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc.
Gazeta Wyborcza: Failure of Polish services. Lyudmyla Kozlovska is free to move around the Schengen area. Apart from Poland
After nearly a one year of battle, the details of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation were deleted from the Schengen Information System. Polish authorities were forced to remove Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s record.
DGP: Kozlovska’s name removed from the SIS list. Poland loses to the Open Dialogue Foundation
Having been granted a long-term resident’s EU card, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, the head of the Open Dialogue Foundation, is no longer included in the Schengen Information System, according to DGP information.
Court finds entry ban on Lyudmyla Kozlovska unjustified
Last Friday, our Foundation‘s office received information that during a meetingbehind closed doors held on 16 April 2019, the Warsaw Administrative Court overturned the decision of the Office for Foreigners on the inclusion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, in SIS.
Commentary on the Sejm committee meetings of 25 April 2019 and attacks of Law and Justice parliamentarians on the Open Dialogue Foundation
In connection with the meetings of the Parliamentary Committees for Special Services and the EU of 25 April 2019 at which the issue of our organisation, ODF, was raised, as well as numerous media attacks by Law and Justice politicians, we would like to refer to the allegations made against us.
Onet: Court overrules expulsion of President of the Open Dialogue Foundation from Poland
The Regional Administrative Court has considered the documents substantiating the decision on Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s expulsion from Poland as “overgeneralised” and demanded her case be reconsidered by the Office for Foreigners.
The Daily Beast: “Law and Justice went overseas to take care of business at home”
On 28 May 2019, Michael Weiss published an article in Daily Beast “about the way far-right populists in Europe (…) suck up to Russia.” Weiss focused on the use of the Fourth Estate – the media – that has become a tool in populists’ hands making it “a one-party propaganda sheet.”
Statement on the defamatory article in the Sunday Times about the Open Dialogue Foundation
On April 21, 2019, an article, written by Carlos Alba and Jordan Ryan, was published in the Scottish edition of the Sunday Times newspaper under various titles (1, 2, 3, as well as in print with the title “British firms ‘linked to dirty money used against Putin opponents’”).
Bartosz Kramek for Gazeta Wyborcza: PiS, Moldova – a common issue
The Open Dialogue Foundation won the trial with the “Gazeta Polska” magazine, so now editor Tomasz Sakiewicz threatens the judge. And the PiS propaganda attacks the Foundation using a grotesque report of the oligarchic and corrupt parliament of Moldova.
The authors of The Sunday Times article attacking the Polish foundation are the head of a PR agency and an employee of portals supporting Brexit
The authors of a recent article in The Sunday Times link the Open Dialogue Foundation to the practice of money laundering. The article, which was widely commented on in Poland, reproduces information from August 2018, and its authors are not employees of the respectable newspaper.
“Gazeta Polska” and Tomasz Sakiewicz lost the dispute in court with the Open Dialogue Foundation
On 24 April 2019, Gazeta Polska and its executive editor Tomasz Sakiewicz lost the dispute in court with the Open Dialogue Foundation, for portraying Bartosz Kramek – the Head of the Foundation Board – as a Nazi invader in the summer of 2018.
The Open Dialogue Foundation files the notification to the prosecutor’s office on the suspicion of commiting a crime concerning the disclosure of tax secrecy
Last week, the Open Dialogue Foundation filed the notification to the Warsaw District Prosecutor on the suspicion of commiting a crime concerning the disclosure of confidential tax data on the injury of the ODF and the Silk Road Bureau of Analysis and Information LLC partially funding the ODF.
![The Lyudmyla Kozlovska Case timeline [updated]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/8984_mid.jpg)
The Lyudmyla Kozlovska Case timeline [updated]
This is a non-exhaustive timeline of events preceding and following the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, from the EU. This list will be updated as events unfold.
While the PiS are fighting the «Banderites», Putin is rubbing his hands with glee
Poll results have demonstrated that Poles are the most liked nation in Ukraine, ahead of Belarussians and Canadians. Yet, we do our best to make Ukrainians stop liking us.
UN report mentions ODF as example of persecution of human rights defenders in Poland
In December 2018 the United Nations has published its World Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders. The report analyzes the challenges faced by human rights defending NGOs and activists around the world.
Lyudmyla Kozlovska receives residence permit in Belgium
ODF is pleased to announce that our President, Ukrainian human rights activist Lyudmyla Kozlovska, exiled from the EU by Polish authorities back in August 2018 to international criticism, has today received a 5-year residence permit in Belgium.
“MFA did not collaborate with the Moldovan structures on the case of ODF” – the Ministry responds to the Foundation’s inquiry
On 1 March 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation received a response to a request for public information regarding contacts between Polish diplomats and their Moldovan counterparts.
Law and Justice’s campaign against the Open Dialogue Foundation
Following the coming to power of Jarosław Kaczyński’s Law and Justice party and its president Andrzej Duda in 2015, the state of the rule of law and democracy in Poland steadily deteriorated, as universally acknowledged by the international community, including the first ever… (read more)
ODF asks the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about cooperation with Moldova
On 14 February 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jacek Czaputowicz, to disclose public information on cooperation with the Moldovan authorities.
The Netherlands obstructs EU law on crime
The case of ODF President Lyudmyla Kozlovska has been featured in a recent article from Netherlands’ leading newspaper, NRC Handelsblad.
Complaint about Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s data being placed in SIS submitted to Provincial Administrative Court
The complaint against the decision of the Head of the Office for Foreigners of November 20, 2018, which upheld the previously contested decision regarding the inclusion of L.Kozlovska’s data in the SIS II list of undesirable foreigners, was submitted to the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw.
Alexis Prokopiev, the co-funder of Russie-Libertés visited Warsaw
Last weekend, the co-funder of Russie-Libertés and a human rights defender – Alex Prokopiev, visited Warsaw. On that occasion, he met the representatives of Polish civil society and took part in a weekly pacific protest held by street opposition activists in defense of the Constitution.
Alexis Prokopiev’s of Russie-Libertés on a short visit to Warsaw
Last weekend, the co-funder of Russie-Libertés and a human rights defender – Alex Prokopiev, visited Warsaw. On that occasion, he met the representatives of Polish civil society and took part in a weekly pacific protest held by street opposition activists in defense of the Constitution.
Office for Foreigners refuses to delete Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s data from SIS
On 20 November 2018, the Head of the Office for Foreigners upheld the appealed decision regarding the placement of Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s data in the SIS II list of undesirable persons
Statement on the results of the fiscal control and Internal Security Agency investigation
With regard to the information published in the press on Friday, 23 November 2018, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) wishes to clarify and deny the inaccuracies, rumours and slander.
Further problems of the Open Dialogue Foundation: over PLN 700,000 tax and an investigation by the Internal Security Agency. Kramek comments on the charges
The Customs and Tax Office (Urząd Celno-Skarbowy, UCS) in Łódź has calculated that the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) is to pay over PLN 700,000 of unpaid tax. This morning, the Internal Security Agency announced the initiation of an investigation into the Foundation.
Lyudmyla Kozlovska speaks at the UK House of Commons on the rule of law in Poland
On 22 November 2018, our President Lyudmyla Kozlovska had the honour to speak in the UK House of Commons, at a panel debate on the rule of law in Poland and Hungary organised by the Foreign Policy Centre. Below is a transcript of her opening statement.
Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bartosz Kramek talk about the circumstances of the deportation of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation from the European Union
On 29 October 2018, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, and the Chairperson of the Foundation Board, Bartosz Kramek, were interviewed by Radio International. They gave their own account of the political situation in Poland, and talked about the deportation of the Presi
Challenging the decision of the Head of the Office for Foreigners: Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s request for removal from the SIS has been re-submitted
On 15 October 2018, attorney Izabela Banach, representative of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, submitted another application to the Office for Foreigners in Kozlovska’s case.
Decision of the Mazovian Voivode. Lyudmyla Kozlovska without a long-term EU resident permit
On 1 March, 2018, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation applied to the Mazovian Voivode for a long-term EU resident permit on the territory of Poland. In the light of recent events, the decision she received after seven months, on 15 October 2018, is not surprising.
A delegation of the ODF attended the fourth part-session of PACE in Strasbourg
Between Monday 8 and Thursday 11 October 2018, a delegation of the ODF attended the Fourth part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg.
ODF in Strasbourg to advocate for independence of judiciary, human and civil rights
Between Monday 8 and Thursday 11 October 2018, a delegation of the ODF attended the Fourth part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg.
EUobserver: Poland abusing Schengen for political reasons
The case of activist Lyudymyla Kozlovska, president of the Polish-based human rights NGO Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF), who was expelled from the EU by the Polish government, is becoming increasingly curious.
ODF representatives made a 3-day visit to London
A delegation of the Open Dialogue Foundation composed of its President Lyudmyla Kozlovska, Head of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek and its Public Affairs Director Marcin Mycielski have just returned to Brussels after a three-day visit to London where they were invited and hosted by KOD UK.
PACE side event: Shrinking space for civil society and persecution of human rights activists
Populists and nationalism are on the rise in many European countries. Sadly, my second homeland, Poland is not an exception but a growing concern for its citizens, residents and the international community.
How to protect the foundations of the rule of law and democracy? ODF representatives made a 3-day visit to London
A delegation of the Open Dialogue Foundation composed of its President Lyudmyla Kozlovska, Head of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek and its Public Affairs Director Marcin Mycielski have just returned to Brussels after a three-day visit to London where they were invited and hosted by KOD UK.
ODF attends PACE Autumn Session 2018 to speak up for rule of law and human rights defenders
The President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Mrs Lyudmyla Kozlovska, was invited to take part in two side-events, taking place within the Autumn Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in Strasbourg, between Monday 8 and Wednesday 10 October 2018.
EUobserver: Poland accused of violating EU visa systems
Poland is abusing EU visa systems to punish government critics, an activist has said, in a case which highlights Europe’s loss of trust in Warsaw.
President of ODF delivers speech at the EP on Poland’s entry ban
On Wednesday 26 September 2018, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, was invited to the European Parliament, in Brussels, by Guy Verhofstadt, President of the ALDE Group, to deliver her speech on the rule of law and the situation of the civil society in Poland.
“The populist path towards authoritarianism must be stopped”. Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s speech at the Bundestag
I am here thanks to the uncompromising Members of the German Bundestag and delegates to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, our hosts who truly care about the state of the rule of law, civil liberties and human dignity in Europe.
President of the Open Dialogue Foundation is in the EU again. In the Bundestag, she spoke about Poland
Less than a month after Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s expulsion by the Law and Justice government in retaliation for her husband’s (Bartosz Kramek) opposition activity, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation returned to the territory of the European Union.
In the Bundestag, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation spoke about Poland
Less than a month after Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s expulsion by the Law and Justice government in retaliation for her husband’s (Bartosz Kramek) opposition activity, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation returned to the territory of the European Union. German parliamentarians invited her to a hearing.
Will San Escobar be part of the Three Seas Initiative?
Today’s words by W. Waszczykowski about Ukraine are significant: “We also immediately stipulated that the Three Seas Initiative applies only to EU countries. Despite Petro Poroshenko’s requests and begging, Ukraine was not invited – even as an observer.
Onet.pl: ‘How eastern regimes used the Polish pro-government media after the deportation of Kozlovska’
Following the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF), from Poland, large pro-government media, from the Polish Radio to ‘Gazeta Polska’, were quoting Kazakhstani, Moldovan and Ukrainian media in their coverages.
Freedom Square: The case of Lyudmyla Kozlovska is a test of our solidarity
“Many people and organisations from the ‘pro-democratic side of the barricade’ have had dilemmas, or have openly opposed Lyudmyla’s support (…). But it is these very ‘controversies’ around Lyudmyla Kozlovska herself and the ODF that give us a better chance for our test. The solidarity test”.
Request for removal of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from SIS submitted to the Office for Foreigners
On August 31, the authorised representative of the Open Dialog Foundation, attorney Izabela Banach submitted to the Office for Foreigners a request to remove the personal data of Lyudmyla Kozlovska contained in the Schengen Information System I and II.
Wielowieyski and Święcicki defend the Open Dialog Foundation. Polemic with Pełczyńska-Nałęcz
Is the expulsion of the head of the Open Dialog Foundation from the EU at the request of Poland a victory for the Russian services, for the ODF having gotten under their skin? That’s what Andrzej Wielowieyski and Marcin Święcicki think.
Dr. Evelien Brouwer: Schengen Entry Bans for Political Reasons? The Case of Lyudmyla Kozlovska
Before expelling Mrs Kozlovska to Kyiv, the Belgian authorities should have checked first whether this expulsion would not violate her rights to freedom of expression, family life, or effective judicial protection, but certainly her right to residence as a family member of a EU citizen.
Maia Sandu after meeting with Poland’s ambassador: Warsaw authorities are not interfering in the political struggle in Chisinau
The embassy of Poland is upset that the decision of a Polish institution in relation to the non-governmental organization Open Dialog Foundation is being used against the opposition in Chisinau.
Ombudsman intervenes on the issue of expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska
The Ombudsman Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich raised the matter of President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, whose name has been put in the Schengen Information System by Plish authorities, resulting in a ban on entry on the territory of the European Union.
Kramek in the @Tłit_WP studio: My wife was not surprised by the deportation
On 23 August, Bartosz Kramek, Head of the Foundation Board, was a guest of Marek Kacprzak, a journalist of Wirtualna Polska, in the @Tłit_WP audition. During the interview, he commented on the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the ODF, from the territory of the European Union.
Onet: Ukraine outraged by the deportation of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from Poland and the EU
Ukrainian activists, journalists and human rights defenders express their indignation at the deportation of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from Poland and the EU. Moreover, politicians from several Ukrainian parties asked the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain explanations from the Polish side.
Marcin Święcicki, Member of the Polish Sejm, issued a parliamentary question concerning the removal of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from the territory of the EU to the Polish Prime Minister
“I have filed a parliamentary question with the Prime Minister regarding the prohibition of entry into the Schengen Area issued in the case of Lyudmyla Kozlovska ” – this is what Marcin Święcicki Member of the Polish Sejm posted on his Facebook profile on 22 August, 2018.
Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights: Detention of the ODF President has been illegal
On 20 August, 2018 i.e. 6 days after Lyudmyla Kozlovska was detained and expelled from the European Union, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights expressed its opinion on the matter by publishing the following statement on its website.
Andrzej Wielowieyski for Rzeczpospolita: The strike against the Open Dialog Foundation is Russia’s success
“Such a fierce attempt at gagging the Foundation and undermining its work, despite its undisputable contributions and achievements, is just bewildering. Obviously, there is one country which clearly dislikes the Open Dialog Foundation. It is Russia.” – says Andrzej Wielowieyski.
Newsweek: European politicians stand up for Kozlovska who has been removed from the EU
Guy Verhofstadt, Alice Stollmeyer and a number of other European activists and politicians speak out in defence of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialog Foundation who has been removed from the EU territory upon demand of the Polish authorities – reports Newsweek.
Guy Verhofstadt: The Schengen visa ban on Lyudmyla Kozlovska must be withdrawn
Guy Verhofstadt, the Chair of the Liberal Group at the European Parliament, famous for his bitter criticism of the reforms introduced in Poland by the Law and Justice party incisively commented on the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from the EU territory upon request of the Polish government.
KyivPost: Jaroslaw Kaczynski has been branded as Ukraine’s Foe of the Week. For his ‘outrageous attack’ on the ODF President
One may well anticipate the abuse of Interpol’s Red Notice system by Kremlin to persecute its political adversaries. However, such abuse of the Schengen Information System by the government of an EU Member State in order to silence its critic is quite shocking – says Euan MacDonald.
Ukrainian NGOs call for support for Lyudmyla Kozlovska
“In our opinion, entering Lyudmyla Kozlovska into the Schengen Information System (SIS) and depriving her of the right to stay within the Schengen area is a dangerous precedent initiating a new way of persecution of civil activists in the EU Member States” – claims a group of Ukrainian NGOs.
MEP Rebecca Harms shocked by the expulsion of the ODF President from the EU
On 17 August, having heard about the detention (on the request of the Polish government), and, subsequently, expulsion from the EU territory of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation Lyudmyla Kozlovska, MEP from the Green faction, Rebecca Harms expressed her shock.
Washington Post: The Kozlovska story shows that the entire EU justice system is now under threat
The Polish right-wing government is still finding new instruments to attack democracy and the rule of law. However, the government has now set a truly surprising precedent. Warsaw has used its EU power to deport critics of the government.
The Democratic Party media reported on the deportation from the EU of the ‘PAS and DA lobbyist’ for her ‘links with the special services of the Russian Federation’. What’s awkward here?
Some Moldovan media, considered as close to the Democratic Party, reported the deportation from Poland of the head of the Open Dialog Foundation, a civil society activist from Ukraine Lyudmyla Kozlovska. These media claim that Kozlovska was deported from the EU
Poland uses SIS to prevent President of the Open Dialog Foundation from entering the Schengen area
On Tuesday 14 August 2018, Mrs Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialog Foundation (ODF) was deported from the EU territory to Kyiv, Ukraine due to an abuse of the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Information on the inclusion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska in the SIS database by Poland
Lyudmyla Kozlovska, the President of the Management Board of The Open Dialog Foundation (ODF), was prevented by the Polish authorities from entering the EU. We perceive this as another of a long series of their attacks on the Foundation
‘The Polish Government takes revenge on my wife for my civic activism’ – says Bartosz Kramek about the ODF President’s deportation
Poland placed Lyudmyla Kozlovska on the Schengen Information System (SIS) alert list which resulted in her immediate deportation from the EU territory. This opened yet another stage of the battle led by the Polish Government against the Open Dialog Foundation, considering that Bartosz… (read more)
Independence of judiciary in Poland and mass detentions in Kazakhstan – meetings at the CoE
On the occasion of the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a delegation of civil society activists from Poland and the Open Dialog Foundation (ODF) held a series of bilateral meetings with PACE Members and Permanent Representations to the Organisation.
ODF at the CoE concerned with dismantling of independence of judiciary in Poland and mass detentions in Kazakhstan
On the occasion of the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a delegation of civil society activists from Poland and the Open Dialog Foundation (ODF) held a series of bilateral meetings with PACE Members and Permanent Representations to the Organisation.
Europe, do not give up on Poland!
“Just as in 1980 there could not be freedom without solidarity, today there can not be freedom without the rule of law!” – former President Lech Wałęsa appeals to the European Commission regarding the reform of the Supreme Court in Poland, which will come into force on 3 July 2018.
“We all pay for the cretinism of a ‘good change'” – Wojciech Maziarski on the court’s decision in the matter of the ODF
On May 24, Gazeta Wyborcza published a column entitled “Good change counted in ziobrys” on the application of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the court to dismiss the board of the Open Dialog Foundation and the last similar case regarding the organization Citizens of the Republic of Poland.
ODF wins court dispute with Polish MFA once again
In the dispute with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since August 2017, the Open Dialog Foundation once again defended its position: The Regional Court for the capital city of Warsaw decided to dismiss the Minister of Foreign Affairs’s complaint against the previous decision of the court.
Wieczna przyjaźń – вічна дружба. Come and take part in the Polish-Ukrainian Solidarity Day
The celebration of the Polish-Ukrainian Solidarity Day will take place on on the Piłsudski Square in Warsaw on 20 May 2018, at 4:00 pm. The initiators of the event are Warsaw social activists, including Bartosz Kramek and Joanna Cuper from the Open Dialog Foundation.
Statement of the members of the Civic Solidarity Platform: Polish authorities reduce the space for the activities of NGOs including human rights organizations in the country
Since the end of 2015, we have seen disturbing trends in the actions of the Polish government and the parliamentary majority formed by the populist-nationalist party, Law and Justice (PiS), which harm the activities of human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Poland.
A smear campaign against the Open Dialogue Foundation has reached the walls of the European Parliament (updated)
Under the guise of a discussion on ‘financial fraud’, an information attack was launched against the Open Dialog Foundation in the European Parliament. The smear campaign against our organisation has become a revenge for our activities to protect human rights in the post-Soviet space… (read more)
The litigation between the Open Dialog Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues. Another summons to appear was received
On 7 December 2017, the court dismissed the motion, personally signed by Witold Waszczykowski, for appointment of a compulsory administrator for the Open Dialog Foundation. Still, his successor, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz is following in the footsteps of his predecessor.
Members of the PACE launch a motion for resolution on the preservation of civil liberties in Poland, Moldova and Ukraine
During the last PACE Winter session, on 26 January 2018, twenty-nine members signed a motion for resolution to call for the strengthening of efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the rule of law and the respect of civil liberties in Poland, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
Strasbourg: Members of PACE concerned about the rule of law, media freedom and independence of NGOs in Poland
On the occasion of the winter session of the PACE, the Open Dialog Foundation organised a 4-day mission to Strasbourg. The Polish delegation was headed by Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the ODF, Anna Prus from The Poland-wide Women’s Strike and Robert Hojda – creator of the Przystań “OKO”.
Petra De Sutter: The situation in Poland is unacceptable
In the Council of Europe headquarters, the Open Dialog Foundation organized a debate devoted to the situation of the rule of law and civil society in Poland. The event was attended by Belgian parliamentarian Petra De Sutter who, after the debate, shared her thoughts and reflections on her website.
Unprecedented attacks on the Open Dialogue Foundation in Poland
In the light of the recent developments in Poland, one of the most urgent problems is the attack on civil society by governmental administration bodies. Non-governmental organisations, critical of the state authorities have been subjected to unprecedented pressure.
“Government against the rule of law, civil society and independent media in Poland” – Invitation to an event at PACE
ODF, in partnership with PACE Members P. De Sutter and F. Schwabe is pleased to invite you to attend the event “Government against the rule of law, civil society and independent media in Poland” on Tuesday, January 23, from 13.00 to 14.00, at the premises of the Council of Europe, Room 11 – Palais.
![The right-wing media defend the hunter of Russian influence. What about the facts? [THE COMMENT]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/8495_mid.jpg)
The right-wing media defend the hunter of Russian influence. What about the facts? [THE COMMENT]
The right-wing internet focused on the fate of the hunter of the Russian influence in Poland, a victim of ‘Putin’s trolls’. Among emotional posts, it is easy to lose track of facts. And those are not very convenient for the hunter.
Gazeta Prawna: Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to appeal against court decision on ODF
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received the court’s decision dismissing the motion to suspend the management board and appoint a compulsory administrator for the Open Dialog Foundation; the Ministry is planning to file a complaint in the matter” Gazeta Prawna writes.
The court refused the MFA to suspend the Management Board of the Open Dialog Foundation
The Management Board of the Open Dialog Foundation will not be suspended – on 7 December, the District Court in Warsaw dismissed the motion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to put the Foundation under administrative receivership and to suspend its current Management Board.
ODF addresses the EP and PACE on human and civil rights in Kazakhstan, Moldova and Poland
Between September and October, a delegation from the Open Dialog Foundation visited the European Parliament and the PACE to address the human rights situation and the issue of political prisoners in Moldova and Kazakhstan, as well as the recent violations of civil liberties in Poland.
“Poland: unprecedented attacks on the rule of law and civil society organisations must be stopped”, MPs declare
On 12 October, 2017, 27 members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) signed a written declaration calling for the re-establishment of constitutional order and the liberties of civil society in Poland.
“We maintain a sense of the rightness of our actions” – the President of ODF responds to Anna Fotyga’s letter
In the response to ‘A. Fotyga’s position regarding the calling for the destabilisation of the state’, published on the website of the MEP from the Law and Justice party on 27 July 2017, L. Kozlovska wrote a letter, in which she referred to the issues raised and accusations brought against ODF.
Information on unprecedented attacks on civil society organisations in Poland
In the light of the recent developments in Poland, one of the most urgent problems is the attack on civil society by governmental administration bodies. Non-governmental organisations, critical of the state authorities (including Obywatele RP [Citizens of Poland], Fundacja Otwarty Dialog
Onet: The Government does not want an Open Dialog
“Currently, there are not regular inspection activities because the system has picked Open Dialog at random but because Minister Kamiński called Minister Waszczykowski and said: “Do something with them” – comments the Head of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek.
Onet: Law and Justice Party targets assaults on NGOs. NGOs say Enough: time to strike back
A women’s organisation has lost about 80 to 90 percent of its funding. Seven hundred court cases have been instituted against participants in protests organised by civil society associations. Another organisation is facing extensive custom and tax inspections.
‘We are here to defend democracy’ – Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bartosz Kramek in an interview for Gazeta Wyborcza
On Wednesday, 13 September 2017, Gazeta Wyborcza published an interview, given by President of the Open Dialog Foundation Lyudmyla Kozlovska and President of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek to Igor T. Miecik. The text, entitled ‘Open Dialog is defending itself’, is presented below.
Attack against the rule of law and civil society in Poland – a debate during the OSCE HDIM 2017 conference
On 13.09.2017, at the National Stadium in Warsaw, during the international conference 2017 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting which was an OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights event, we organised a discussion panel on the attack on the rule of law and civil society in Poland.
Wielowieyski for Gazeta Wyborcza: Open Dialog at a crossroads
I first came across the Open Dialog Foundation in 2011 during OSCE Summit in Warsaw, when, together with MPs of Civic Platform and Law and Justice, the ODF stood up in defence of persecuted pro-democracy activists and miners of Zhanaozen (i.e. crude oil region in Kazakhstan)
Polsat News covers the speech of Bartosz Kramek at OSCE/ODIHR HDIM 2017 side event
An article posted on the website of the Polsat News channel was devoted to the participation of the Head of the Foundation Board of the ODF Bartosz Kramek in the discussion panel organised during the conference of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
The statement and correction of Igor T. Miecik’s articles (Gazeta Wyborcza, 7 August 2017)
In connection with numerous mistakes and inaccuracies in the articles, we would like to present our position on them in the statement below. The remarks refer to the printed version of the articles (in the online version of GW, both articles were united into one and slightly changed/edited).
Wirtualna Polska: the Open Dialog Foundation may be assigned a compulsory administrator
Even though ODF has not officially received, though any channel, any information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) or the court, the possibility of appointing a compulsory administrator for the Foundation is widely discussed by Polish media such as Newsweek or Wirtualna Polska.
”I want to go to the prosecutor, like Kramek” – an open letter from Wojciech Maziarski to the authorities of the Republic of Poland
On the 21st August, a Polish journalist and opposition activist during the time of the People’s Republic of Poland, Wojciech Maziarski addressed an open letter to the Polish authorities which was published in social media and on the website of Koduj24.
Onet analyses Marcin Rey’s report on the ODF. “Another attack on the Foundation and yet another disgrace”
On 19 July, Onet published a detailed analysis of a report by Marcin Rey, an editor of “The Russian Fifth Column in Poland”, who focused on the activities of the Open Dialog Foundation and its financing sources
According to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bartosz Kramek is inciting to break the law. It tells the Foundation to delete the “illegal” content
On the 7th August, the Open Dialog Foundation received another letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this time telling it to urgently delete from the web space „information inciting to undertake illegal activities”.
The Open Dialogue Foundation – public enemy number one of PiS and Jarosław Kaczyński
When they dared to criticise the PiS government, they were accused of arms trafficking, taking money from the Kremlin and being an “agent of influence.” – As a foundation, we support the rule of law and human rights. And we name those who violate them – said Lyudmyla Kozlovska, president of the ODF.
The ODF statement of 14 August 2017 concerning the safety of its workers and donors
The ODF statement of 14 August 2017 concerning the safety of its workers and donors
Lyudmyla Kozlovska for Newsweek: Silence would be a hypocrisy
An extensive interview with Lyudmyla Kozlovska was released on 11 August this year. In this interview, the ODF President explained the rationale behind the Foundation’s statement on the current situation in Poland
“We see the Ministry’s call as censorship” – Bartosz Kramek comments on the Ministry’s letter
“The Ministry give the Foundation three days to unpublish the manifesto written by Bartosz Kramek” – Onet informed on the 8th August. The portal devoted an extensive article to the Foreign Ministry’s measures which are a consequence of the Head of the Foundation Board speaking on the … (read more)
Onet publishes a release about the tax and duty inspection at the ODF
“A group of seven inspectors representing the Treasury and Customs Office in Łódź visited the Open Dialog Foundation’s domicile today. The tax ledgers and documents for 2014-2016 were retained for further investigation” – announced Onet on Monday, 7 August.
Seven inspectors representing the Customs and Tax Office in Łódź visited the Open Dialog Foundation
On 7 August, a group of seven inspectors representing the Customs and Tax Office in Łódź visited the domicile of the ODF’s accounting services provider. The inspectors retained documents concerning the Foundation’s taxable income and bank account statements for 2014-2016
Centre for Civil Liberties’s statement on the pressure on civil society organisations in Poland
It is very surprising to us to read statements, unsupported by evidence, about the alleged links of the Open Dialog Foundation with the Russian special services. It seems that the publications, which appear in certain government media, are retaliation for the active position of the organisation.
Gazeta.pl’s account on the TVP Channel’s distortions of the truth on the ODF activities
“TVP Channel, in its quest for the sensational, has gone so far that it met with criticism coming from the least expected side. Wojciech Mucha in “Gazeta Polska” referred to the revelations concerning the Open Dialog Foundation as “very serious fake news”
Krytyka Polityczna: Open Dialog Foundation targeted by pro-government media
”Spontaneous protests are an organised attempt to overthrow the government, NGOs are agents of organised influences, and Western Europe is degenerated and culturally alien” – similar rhetoric, in the opinion of the author of the article which was published on 1 August 2017 in Krytyka Polityczna
TVN24 about the attack on ODF ”We have already got used to tapped telephones”
„Never before, have ministers of the Polish government, under dictation from nationalist and anti-Ukrainian circles, considered our delegalization – this is how the Open Dialog Foundation responded to the reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested its detailed fiscal inspection”
Wirtualna Polska about the media and government’s smear campaign against ODF. Kramek: “This is a politically motivated beginning of repressions”
The Wirtualna Polska internet portal is another medium, next to, amongst others, Gazety.pl, TVN24 or Radio Zet, which has devoted its material to an attack by the government and pro-government media against the Open Dialog Foundation
Kramek at “Dryjańska naTemat”: We need to stand firm against extermination of NGOs. We have already seen that happening in Russia
On 31st July, Bartosz Kramek, Head of the Foundation Board, taking part in Anna Dryjańska’s interview presented by “naTemat” and in social media, summarised the current situation in Poland and controversies around his letter titled: “Let the state stop: let us deactivate the government!”
naTemat rebuts conspiracy theories concerning the ODF and Google Inc.’s support for political opposition in Poland
According to naTemat, Professor Andrzej Zybertowicz, an advisor to President of Poland has proposed the claim that Google Inc. supports only those NGOs which oppose the Law and Justice: “He has accused this giant technological enterprise of supporting the Open Dialog Foundation
The Open Dialog Foundation in “Teraz Ja!” program: We feel the pressure, it is a violation of human rights
On 31st July, Bartosz Kramek, Head of the Foundation Board, taking part in Anna Dryjańska’s interview presented by “naTemat” and in social media, summarised the current situation in Poland and controversies around his letter titled: “Let the state stop: let us deactivate the government!”.
The statement of the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland of 24 July 2017 regarding the judiciary reform
It is with moderate respect and satisfaction that we have welcomed the decision of President Andrzej Duda on vetoing the laws on the Supreme Court and the National Justice Board. It carries hope for reconciliation and putting an end to the conflict which has recently dominated the public life
Statement of the Open Dialog Foundation of 23 July 2017
In the published article, B.Kramek expressly emphasised the need to maintain the PEACEFUL nature of the protest actions. We agree that the presented postulates may be perceived as far-reaching and controversial, but the basic premise is articulated directly: LET’S ACT VERY DECISIVELY, BUT WITH NO…
Statement of the Open Dialog Foundation of 21 July 2017 on the dismantling of the rule of law in Poland
We therefore present to you the following article and call for broad cooperation to cease the dismantling of the rule of law. In the article, we have brought together our experiences and reflections; they may prove valuable in the course of resistance.
Developers of mobile application CVRP help schools in the Zone of Exclusion
In January 2017, the Polish company The Farm 51 which develops computer games and applications for VR technology, along with the ODF, sent the first consignment of humanitarian aid for schools that are still attended in the Zone of Exclusion surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Developers of mobile application Chernobyl VR Project help schools in the Exclusion Zone
In January 2017, the Polish company The Farm 51 which develops computer games and applications for VR technology, along with the ODF, sent the first consignment of humanitarian aid for schools that are still attended in the Exclusion Zone surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Bartosz Kramek for Puls Biznesu: For Ukraine, Poland is the gate to the EU
Low living standards, war, corruption – these and other factors prompt Ukrainians to leave their country. Those who decided to start a new life in Poland, increasingly frequently consider establishing a business here. Organisations, such as Open Europe Group, offers them support.
Human Freedom Index 2016: level of freedom decreased in Eastern Europe. Ukraine drops in the ranking by record 27 positions
According to this year’s Human Freedom Index 2016 survey measuring widely understood personal and economic liberty, Eastern Europe is departing faster and faster from the western part of the continent.
Ukrainian media about the campaign “He is to be blamed for their death” by the FR Embassy
On the 7th October, the date of Vladimir Putin’s birthday, the Euromaidan-Warszawa Foundation organised a silent protest by the Russian Embassy and its participants brought portraits of victims of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Open Dialog Foundation on the silent protest held on Putin’s birthday
On 07.10.2016, Vladimir Putin’s 64th birthday, activists from Euromaidan Warsaw held a protest against the bloody policy of the President of Russia alongside activists from the ODF. Several dozen people brought along with them portraits of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war in the Donbas.
Invitation for the OSCE ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016 side-events
The Open Dialog Foundation and the Center for Civil Liberties would like to invite to the OSCE ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016 side-events (Sofitel Victoria Warsaw, Królewska St. 11, 00-065 Warsaw, Poland).
The Open Dialog Foundation’s top achievements
Representatives of the Foundation follow and attend the most important sessions and meetings of the international organizations and institutions in Brussels, Strasbourg, Vienna and Geneva.
Warsaw premiere of the Chernobyl VR Project – the application is winning the Polish market
On Friday 1 July, 2016 the National Audiovisual Institute in Warsaw hosted the Polish premiere of the Chernobyl VR Project, created by The Farm 51, a Polish company from the region of Silesia. The project has taken on a new character, initially not foreseen by the creators.
Warsaw premiere of the Chernobyl VR Project
On Friday 1 July, 2016 the National Audiovisual Institute in Warsaw hosted the Polish premiere of the Chernobyl VR Project, created by The Farm 51, a Polish company from the region of Silesia. The project has taken on a new character, initially not foreseen by the creators.
Summary of humanitarian aid provided by the Open Dialog Foundation in 2015
In 2015, the Open Dialog Foundation continued its humanitarian aid programme addressed to the ones in need in Ukraine. The categories of beneficiaries did not change and included: widely understood defence structures, medical services and citizens’ initiatives.
The “Ukrainian World” centre closed its doors. It helped 30 thousand Ukrainians
After over two years of activity, the ODF closed down the Warsaw-based “Ukrainian World” centre. It was the first and biggest centre offering support to large numbers of Ukrainians arriving to Poland. From the beginning of its activity, the “Ukrainian World” helped over 30 000 people.
Assistance to the Chernobyl victims – Polish people’s perspective
On 26 May, 2016, on the initiative of the Polish company ‘The Farm 51’, a team of experts went to the Chernobyl zone. The main purpose of the trip was to study the needs of the schools in the region affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
The success of Orlov’s defenders. Czuwara: “The fight for the acquittal will be the next step”
“After nearly 5 years, the Polish citizen was released from the Ukrainian custody. The Open Dialog Foundation, involved in the case of . Orlov, admitted that that change of the preventive measure and the consent to the re-examination of the case would not have been possible without the cooperation.
Visit Chernobyl without leaving home!
On 26 April at 6.00 p.m., the Kyiv History Museum will host the world premiere of the Chernobyl VR project entitled ‘Ghost Town: World Premiere of a Virtual Tour’. The innovative design of Poland’s The Farm 51 is aimed at preserving the memory of 1986 through a virtual trip to Chernobyl and Pripyat.
Legalisation of residence in Poland: most common problems faced by foreigners
On 6 April at 6.00 p.m., again, the Ukrainian World Centre held classes of the Academy of Legalisation of Residence and Employment Support Policy for Foreigners in Poland. Maria Jakubovych, Chairperson of the Board of the Ternopilska Foundation, led the workshop.
Academy of Legalisation of Residence and Employment Support Policy for Foreigners in Poland – official opening
On 30 March, the Ukrainian World Centre held the official opening of the Academy of Legalisation of Residence and Employment Support Policy for Foreigners in Poland, founded by the Open Dialog Foundation within the framework of the Open Europe Group.
Leading Polish media on the Chernobyl VR Project
The world premiere of the project developed by the Silesian company The Farm 51, which will be held with the support of the Open Dialogue Foundation in Kyiv on 26 April, 2016, aroused great interest in the Polish media.
The Open Dialogue Foundation’s position as regards the anonymous study entitled ‘8 things you should know about the Open Dialogue Foundation’
In view of the scale of its operations and the significant and growing number of incidents of so-called hate speech, the ODF is not able to comment on an ongoing basis on all allegations directed at it, in particular, criticism which is loosely based on fact, as expressed by anonymous authors.
The Chernobyl VR Project presented at the conference ‘InnoTech Ukraine’
Along with our friends from The Farm 51, the designers of the application Chernobyl VR Project, with whom we worked together on the launch of the world’s first virtual trip to Chernobyl and Pripyat, we took part in a conference ‘InnoTech Ukraine’.
Polish stock exchange portals discuss the collaboration between The Farm 51 and the Open Dialogue Foundation
The Chernobyl VR Project, which, thanks to the support of the Open Dialog Foundation, will have its premiere in Kyiv, aroused the interest of stock exchange portals
VIII Polish-Ukrainian Meeting in Yaremche, Ukraine
The Open Dialog Foundation expert, Agnieszka Piasecka took part in the VIII Polish-Ukrainian Meeting in Yaremche, Ukraine, which took place between 25-27 September, 2015.
Speech delivered at the Cambridge University: “The development of Polish-Ukrainian Relations since the Beginning of the Maidan”
On June 30 and 1 July 2015 we were especially honoured to have an opportunity to participate in the conference on the future of Polish-Ukrainian relations at University of Cambridge (represented by Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bartosz Kramek).
Past as Prelude: on Polish-Ukrainian relations at the University of Cambridge, UK
Between 29 June and 1 July, 2015, the Open Dialog Foundation represenatatives took part in a conference organized by Cambridge Polish Studies and Cambridge Ukrainian Studies departments, entitled: “Past as Prelude: Polish-Ukrainian Relations for the Twenty-First Century”.
Media in Ukraine and Russia on the campaign against the Night Wolves crossing Poland
Ukrainian and Russia media are widely commenting upon the article of “Radio Svoboda” about the protest of Polish activists, politicians, and non-governmental organisations, including the Open Dialog Foundation, against the Russian motorbike gang Night Wolves riding through Poland.
In Kiev, people pay tribute to the victims of the Smolensk tragedy
The Open Dialog Foundation and activists from different social organisations have visited the Polish Embassy in Ukraine today in order to light candles and lay flowers in solidarity with the Polish people who suffered from the tragedy five years ago.
Putin’s bikers are to ride across Poland. ODF protests
Describing the planned ride by Putin’s bikers across Poland, the interia.pl and niezależna.pl portals provided information about the actions aimed at blocking the entrance of the Night Wolves motorcycle gang undertaken by the Open Dialog Foundation.
Lyudmyla Kozlovska on Channel 24: “Volunteers are at risk of up to 10 years in prison”
In the interview hosted by the journalist of Channel 24 Oltha Chytaylo, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation L. Kozlovska spoke about the help of the Ukrainian army, problems with the release of prisoners of war and the need for further rehabilitation of those who regained their freedom.
Polskieradio.pl: Poles, Ukrainians – “and” or “versus”?
“Support for Euromaidan is the key point in building mutual relations. All the nations of Europe should coexist peacefully on the continent. We must close the chapters of the past and leave history behind”