Not guilty again: Slovak oligarch accused of Ján Kuciak’s murder acquitted
Marian Kočner in court, 19.05.2023. Source: ICJKThe court has decided that Marian Kočner is not guilty of ordering the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak. The court found his accomplice Alena Zsuzsová, who worked for him mostly as a honey-trap, guilty for ordering this and other murders.
HOW ORBÁN ANGERED HIS CLOSEST POLISH ALLIES
Illustration: VSquare, Photo: The Chancellery of the Prime Minister, PolandPresident Katalin Novák was lectured by the Polish prime minister and Viktor Orbán’s European ambitions were jeopardized. VSquare in cooperation with Direkt36 have uncovered the behind the scenes story of the Hungarian-Polish alliance, which previously seemed unbreakable, since the outbreak of the war.
Russia’s influence operation exposed: Baltic Sea scare stories
Source: Karl-Erik Leik / Delfi EstoniaVSquare has in its possession documents drawn up in Russia three months ago that reveal an influence operation currently being prepared. The operation is centred on the health of the Baltic Sea; its ultimate aim is to incite anti-NATO sentiment in the Baltic states.
Secret Kremlin Documents: How Russia Plans to Disrupt the Baltics
Source: Karl-Erik Leik / Delfi EstoniaVSquare is in possession of files compiled by the Kremlin that reveal Russia’s plans to exert influence in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania now and in the coming years.
NOTES FROM THE REGION
Confusing Smoke and Fire: Russian Influence in Polish Politics

The so-called “lex Tusk” or “Russian influence law” prompted fierce criticism and consternation at home and abroad that Polish democracy is backsliding further.
IPI statement: TOK FM fine sparks renewed concerns about regulatory capture

The International Press Institute (IPI) today raises alarm over the controversial fine imposed on the independent radio TOK FM by the chair of Poland’s broadcast media regulator and warns of increasing regulatory pressure on the station ahead of a looming licencing decision.
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