Ringier Axel Springer Polska (RASP), one of the largest publishing houses in Poland, is facing a lawsuit filed by entrepreneur Robert Szustkowski, who is seeking PLN 54 million in damages. Szustkowski claims that RASP has failed to comply with the provisions of the 2020 settlement, which was intended to end a long-standing dispute over the infringement of his personal rights. The conflict dates back to 2017, when RASP-owned media published articles questioning his credibility, suggesting connections with Russia and accusing him of being an agent of influence. Such publications had serious consequences for his personal and professional life.
The 2020 settlement and its failure to implement it
In 2020, the parties concluded a settlement, under which RASP undertook to remove all articles that violated Szustkowski’s good name and to prevent the publication of similar materials in the future. The settlement also provided for an apology and payment of a specified amount to charity. Szustkowski claims that RASP has not fulfilled these obligations, and some of the offending articles are still available in RASP media.
Lawsuit for PLN 54 million
Szustkowski decided to take the case to court, demanding payment of a contractual penalty of over PLN 54 million. This is the highest property claim related to the infringement of personal rights in history in Poland. If the claim is upheld, it could be a breakthrough in Polish law on the protection of personal rights.
The role of the media and the liability of publishers
Szustkowski’s case shows how much responsibility the media bears for the reliability of the content they publish. The settlement was also intended to strengthen the liability of publishers for their materials, especially in the context of publications concerning alleged connections with controversial countries. Other publishers who also violated Szustkowski’s personal rights have signed settlements or published corrections. RASP failed to avoid the escalation of the problem, which led to the claim for such a large amount.
Source: https://wojna.co.pl/ringier-axel-springer-polska-w-obliczu-pozwu-o-54-mln-zl-odpowiedzialnosc-mediow-a-naruszenie-dobr-o-25992121.html