Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns about press freedom in Greece. The organization says the country presents a modern image, but the reality for journalists is quite different. In a new report, HRW explains how press freedom is under threat. Journalists in Greece face growing challenges, including state surveillance, harassment, and legal pressure. HRW says these actions harm democracy and rule of law. The EU must take action to protect press freedoms, the organization urges.
Growing Threats to Journalists
HRW’s report paints a troubling picture of the media climate in Greece. Journalists face threats from both the state and pro-government groups. Many feel pressured to censor themselves. This fear comes from harassment, lawsuits, and surveillance. HRW interviewed 26 journalists for its report. They worked in various media, including radio, television, print, and digital.
Most reporters said their work environment had gotten worse. Six of them spoke about harassment by senior officials. They said they often avoided reporting sensitive issues for fear of retaliation. One foreign reporter even considered leaving Greece because of the growing stress and threats. Another journalist described how the government controlled content and expression, stifling free reporting.
The Dangers of Surveillance
A major issue for journalists in Greece is surveillance. In 2022, the “PredatorGate” scandal revealed that the government used spyware to monitor journalists. Seven reporters confirmed that they had been spied on. This included wiretapping and the use of commercial spyware. The surveillance made journalists fear for their safety and their ability to protect sources. Freelance reporter Stavros Malichoudis discovered that Greek intelligence was spying on him in 2021. This forced him to stop meeting sources for months.
The use of spyware is just one part of a wider problem. Journalists feel increasingly unsafe and powerless to do their work. Many are afraid to investigate government actions or criticize the ruling party. Some feel they must avoid sensitive topics to protect themselves.
Government Influence on Media
HRW’s report also found that the Greek government has significant control over the media. State-run outlets like ERT and AMNA are heavily influenced by the government. The report claims that pro-government media receive favorable advertising allocations. This helps shape the news to favor the government. HRW also discovered that government officials have filed lawsuits against journalists. These lawsuits are meant to silence critical voices. Even though Greece decriminalized “simple defamation” in 2019, journalists can still be penalized for “insults” or “slander.”
In some cases, these lawsuits came from high-ranking officials, including the prime minister’s relatives. The report also says the government used state funds to pressure public media. This financial influence has led to biased news coverage that favors the ruling party.
Government Response and EU Concerns
The Greek government has dismissed HRW’s findings. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the country’s record on press freedom. He claimed that Greece remains committed to democratic values. He argued that the European Parliament’s criticism was unfair.
However, HRW says that Greece must make real changes. Hugh Williamson, HRW’s Europe Director, called on the European Commission to act. He stressed that press freedom is a core part of democracy. The EU must do more to protect journalists in Greece and ensure that the media remains independent.
The Role of the European Union
The European Union is in a key position to address the situation in Greece. HRW believes the EU should step in to monitor the country’s media landscape. The EU must ensure that journalists can work freely without fear of retaliation. Without EU action, HRW fears that the situation will worsen.
The EU has already raised concerns about press freedom in Greece. But more needs to be done to make sure Greece respects its commitments to free speech. The EU must hold Greece accountable and push for real change.
What Needs to Change?
The press freedom situation in Greece is growing worse. Journalists are facing threats, surveillance, and censorship. The government’s control over the media is growing stronger. Many journalists fear for their safety and are reluctant to report the truth. HRW’s report calls for immediate action to protect journalists and press freedom. The EU must take the lead in ensuring that Greece respects press freedoms and democratic values.