Scandal in Tel Aviv. Stropnický met a pro-Russian activist at the Czech embassy
“Accepting such a visit, I consider it a serious misconduct of Mr. Ambassador. His task is to conscientiously represent Czech diplomacy, which is definitely at odds with the fact that he meets and takes photographs with leading representatives of the pro-Russian disinformation scene,” Lipavský said on Twitter in response to photos from the meeting that Jovanovič showed off on social media.
“I requested from him a detailed record of the meeting, including why he accepted the delegation of MP (Jan) Hrnčíř in this composition,” he said to the group around the SPD MP, adding that he would decide on the next course of action after evaluating the minutes.
Czechia in first place? A pro-Russian activist was also on stage at the anti-government demonstration
Homemade
The minister and the chairman of the Interparliamentary Group of the Czech Republic – Israel Jan Bartošek (KDU-ČSL) requested an investigation into the visit, according to whom the ambassador and former minister must have known with whom he was taking pictures.
Ambassador in 🇮🇱 @stropnickým hosted the chief Czech disinformer Žark Jovanovič. Please minister @JanLipavsky about investigating the visit and drawing clear consequences. MS is no stranger, in my opinion immediate resignation is the only option. His actions are damaging the reputation of the Czech Republic! pic.twitter.com/EIhbTXBVxs
— Jan Bartošek (@honzabartosek) January 20, 2023
“Martin Stropnický is no stranger, in my opinion the only option is immediate resignation. He is damaging the reputation of the Czech Republic with his actions,” he appealed to the minister.
Stropnicky Diary N he said that he did not verify the past and activities of his visit and who he was taking pictures with in advance. “I can’t keep track of who is active in the disinformation sphere in our country,” he said. Stropnický added that everyone wants to be photographed during visits, he is used to it.
Jovanovič is one of the well-known figures of the pro-Russian disinformation scene.
Žarko Jovanović
He is among the influential pro-Russian activists in the Czech Republic. He organizes demonstrations, runs the disinformation television Raptor-TV. According to the website, Hlídací pes works for Russian state television VGTRK and in 2020 collaborated on a report on the removal of the statue of Marshal Koněv in Prague 6, which was broadcast by Russian state television. He is also a member of the association Hey, citizens, which states on its website that it is “ready to support the process of exiting the EU” and wants to “limit our dependence on and participation in NATO following the restoration of our own defense capability.” After Brexit, he published a photo on Facebook with another pro-Russian activist, Zdenek Kratochvíl. Both have badges that say “Kremlin Agent” and the caption reads: “Kremlin Agents Celebrate Brexit.”
