“Mr. Rajchl, you pest and enemy of democracy.” Professor Hel has published a sharp message
Professor Zdeněk Hel plans to file a criminal complaint against Slovak government envoy Peter Kotlár for spreading dangerous misinformation during a seminar in the Czech legislator.
Professor Zdeněk Hel, an immunologist, is taking a stand against misinformation by preparing a criminal complaint against Peter Kotlár, a Slovak government official, over allegations of spreading dangerous falsehoods during a seminar in the Czech parliament. The seminar, titled "Three Years Since Covid," was organized by Czech MP Jindřich Rajchl and featured several speakers known for promoting alternative narratives about the COVID-19 pandemic, including the debunked effectiveness of various unproven treatments and the dangers of vaccinations.
During the seminar held on January 26, various conspiracy theories and misinformation were reportedly discussed. Participants included prominent figures from the alternative health sphere who had previously criticized government COVID measures. Hel condemned Rajchl too, challenging him directly to defend Kotlár in court and labeling him an 'amoral pest' in a provocative social media post. This response highlights the growing tensions in public discourse regarding COVID-19 policies and the ongoing battle against misinformation.
Hel's actions seem to indicate a broader concern among scientific communities and public figures about the impact of disinformation on public health and democracy itself. The severity of the allegations and the proposed legal action might not only lead to direct consequences for the individuals involved but also stir further public debate about the role of government and science in crises like the pandemic, especially as misinformation continues to circulate.