‘This Piece is Full of Bias!’ Polish Official Fact-Checks CNN, BBC

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - NOVEMBER 18: Iraqi migrants are interviewed by Iraqi media after arriving
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Peter Caddle

A Polish Government Official has slammed reports from CNN and the BBC on the ongoing Belarus border crisis for demonstrating left-wing bias.

Poland’s Spokesperson of the Minister-Special Services Coordinator, Stanisław Żaryn, heavily criticized the two articles, saying that the article published by the BBC was “full of bias” and that the CNN article was “absurd”.

The CNN article characterised the migrant crisis on the border with Belarus as a “useful distraction” for Poland’s government, claiming that it has conveniently shifted focus away from domestic disputes, such as the conservative government of the overwhelmingly Catholic nation introducing new restrictions on abortion earlier this year.

The article went on to place a heavy focus on the plight faced by the largely Middle Eastern migrants, who in many cases were allegedly tricked by Belarussian dictator Alexander Lukashenko’s regime into believing they would be provided passage into Europe if they travelled to Poland’s frontier.

In a statement given to Breitbart London, Żaryn described the border situation as “a part of the hybrid war” waged against Western Europe by Lukashenko, who has openly teased EU states by flippantly responding that some of his forces “may” be helping the migrants try to breach the border but that he essentially considered the matter below his dignity.

“Despite such a tense and complex situation, many journalists tend to focus only on one aspect of the whole crisis – a humanitarian one,” Żaryn continued, saying: “They describe individual stories and forget about the broader perspective and Lukashenko’s and Putin’s responsibility and their political objectives.”

The Polish government spokesman earlier criticised CNN on social media, claiming their conclusions were “absurd”, writing: “Belarusian services are organizing massive attacks on our border. We’re dealing with growing aggression.”

Żaryn also took aim at an article published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) which barely mentioned the role of the Lukashenko regime in fostering the crisis, while seemingly criticising Poland for “pushing back” illegal migrants from their border.

“Dear BBC World, BBC News, this piece is full of bias!” Żaryn wrote.

“Why aren’t not putting any pressure on the Belarusian regime? You are fully aware that it’s Lukashenko who’s playing with the fates of those people, aren’t you?” the Polish official questioned.

“What we’re dealing with here is nothing but a hostile political operation controlled by the Belarusian services, incl[uding] the KGB. And you’re implying that Poland should be criticized?” Żaryn stated, adding with a colloquial touch: “You gotta be kidding me.”

Żaryn claimed that the BBC article “blurs” Lukashenko’s responsibility for the crisis, enabling the dictator to “continue aggression” without any repercussions.

“Lukashenka uses cynically those people to force the EU to withdraw sanctions and legitimise his presidency. He is terrorizing the whole West.” Żaryn wrote.

The latest crisis facing Poland started in earnest early this month, with Migrants amassing on the Belarus side of the border, and in some instances trying to forcefully break through Polish border barricades.

Since then, at least seven police officers have been injured during clashes with migrants, with rocks and “stun grenades” being thrown at officers from the Belarussian side.

Żaryn told Breitbart London: “It is crucial to underline that all these attacks are managed and carried out by the Belarussian services. They group migrants in temporary camps near the border, they give them specific instructions and necessary equipment.”

“Belarussians supervise migrants and prepare them to forcibly push through the Polish border.”

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