Alenka Puhar: The newspaper does not respond at all to Igor Omerza's book about how many Udbe informants worked in the editorial office

Alenka Puhar, a Slovenian journalist and publicist, has accused Delo, one of Slovenia’s leading newspapers, of remaining silent despite the publication of two books by Igor Omerza, a former editor-in-chief of the paper. The books, titled Temno stran Dela and Svetlo stran Dela, span thousands of pages and document what Omerza describes as the covert role of “spycraft” within the editorial team during his tenure. According to Puhar, Delo has yet to respond to these publications, even after four months since their release. Omerza’s books claim that the top editorial staff of Delo functioned as a special unit of political intelligence, operating behind the scenes to influence public discourse and shape narratives aligned with certain political interests. These allegations, which Omerza presents as meticulously documented historical records, have sparked controversy among media professionals and critics. Despite the gravity of the claims, Delo has not issued any official statement or commentary on the matter, leaving the accusations unchallenged or acknowledged. Puhar, who previously addressed this issue during a public appearance, noted that Delo had shown no interest in engaging with the content of Omerza’s works. She emphasized that the silence from the newspaper is particularly striking given its historical significance as a major voice in Slovenian journalism. “It seems,” she remarked, “that Delo has chosen to remain completely quiet, even as the books have been publicly released.” This lack of response has raised questions about the independence and transparency of the media outlet, especially in light of ongoing debates over press freedom and journalistic ethics in Slovenia. The books were published earlier this year, following years of speculation and discussion around Omerza’s time at Delo. As a senior editor, Omerza was known for his critical stance toward government policies and his willingness to challenge authority. His departure from the newspaper in recent years led to a period of uncertainty regarding the direction and integrity of the publication. Now, with the release of these detailed accounts, the focus has shifted to whether Delo will address the implications of such revelations. Omerza’s work has drawn comparisons to investigative journalism that exposes systemic issues within institutions. However, some media analysts argue that the nature of the claims, particularly those related to internal operations and potential collusion, requires careful scrutiny before they can be widely accepted. Others, including Puhar, suggest that the absence of a response from Delo itself could be interpreted as tacit acceptance of the allegations. In recent weeks, there have been calls for greater transparency and accountability in Slovenian media, especially in the wake of several high-profile controversies involving journalists and editors. Puhar has urged readers to support independent media through donations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a diverse and free press. “If we allow silence to prevail,” she warned, “we risk losing the very foundation of democratic society.” As the situation continues to unfold, the broader implications for Slovenian journalism remain unclear. Whether Delo will finally break its silence or continue its apparent indifference to the contents of Omerza’s books remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the debate surrounding the role of media in democracy is far from over.