Rudolph Angler Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns over the state of press freedom in Greece, citing a growing disconnect between the country’s modern image and the reality faced by journalists. In its newly released report, HRW highlights systemic efforts to suppress critical journalism, exposing deliberate actions that push journalists toward self-censorship. The organization calls on the European Union (EU) to take a more active role in overseeing Greece’s media landscape and ensuring necessary reforms are implemented.
Systemic Barriers to Free Journalism in Greece
HRW’s findings are based on testimonies from 26 journalists, media experts, lawyers, and academics, spanning a range of outlets, including public, private, and international media. The report paints a troubling picture of the increasing challenges faced by journalists in Greece. Twenty-two of the interviewees described an increasingly hostile work environment, with six revealing direct harassment from government officials. Many journalists expressed concerns about retaliation, leading them to avoid reporting on sensitive topics.
A foreign correspondent interviewed for the report admitted to feeling pressured to leave Greece due to the escalating stress and hostility towards the press. Veteran journalists described extreme content control imposed by high-level officials, further stifling free expression. These conditions, HRW argues, represent a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in Greece.
Surveillance, Intimidation, and Lawsuits: Press Freedom at Risk
According to HRW, government actions have contributed to a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists. Surveillance by the state, intimidation by pro-government actors, and lawsuits from politicians have become common tactics to control the narrative. These threats are eroding the foundations of democracy, with press freedom playing a crucial role in holding authorities accountable.
The report also shines a light on the 2022 “PredatorGate” surveillance scandal, which raised alarms about the use of spyware against journalists. Seven journalists reported suspicions or evidence that they were surveilled, while others feared retribution for investigative reporting. One of the cases highlighted was that of freelance reporter Stavros Malichoudis, who discovered that Greece’s intelligence service had monitored his activities in 2021. This revelation caused him to avoid meeting sources for months, fearful of exposure.
Government Control Over Media: A Growing Concern
The HRW report also reveals how powerful figures linked to the ruling party dominate Greece’s media landscape. Since 2019, the government has allegedly used legal threats, surveillance, and coercion to target independent media outlets. Additionally, HRW claims the government has used public funds to manipulate media coverage, steering editorial content in its favor, and undermining the free flow of information.
State-owned outlets like ERT and AMNA have been accused of biased coverage, with government advertising funds disproportionately allocated to supportive media. HRW points to lawsuits filed by political figures, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ nephew, Grigoris Demetriades, against journalists who investigated the wiretapping scandal. While Greece recently decriminalized “simple defamation,” laws still exist that allow for punishment in cases of “insult” and “slander,” further curtailing press freedom.
Government Response and EU Intervention
The Greek government has faced significant criticism following the release of the HRW report. Authorities have cited national security concerns to justify withholding information about the surveillance scandal and resisting transparency regarding public advertising spending. The government’s response to HRW’s findings has been lukewarm, with officials acknowledging some reform attempts but downplaying the severity of the press freedom crisis.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis rejected criticism from the European Parliament, insisting that Greece’s rule of law remains intact and that the country is simply dealing with defamation issues. However, HRW’s Europe and Central Asia director, Hugh Williamson, has called for stronger EU intervention to address the situation. He stressed the need for consistent monitoring and genuine reforms to restore media freedom and uphold democratic values in Greece.
The Role of the EU and Future Outlook for Greece’s Press
HRW’s report serves as a call to action for the European Union, urging it to take a more active role in ensuring that press freedom is protected in Greece. The ongoing struggles of journalists in the country highlight the importance of a free and independent media in safeguarding democracy. The EU’s involvement will be crucial in pushing for the necessary reforms to address the current state of media freedom in Greece.
As the situation continues to develop, HRW’s report adds to the mounting pressure on the Greek government to take meaningful steps to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can work without fear of retaliation or harassment.
The battle for press freedom in Greece is far from over, and the international community, particularly the European Union, must remain vigilant. As HRW has highlighted, the stakes are high—protecting press freedom is not only about defending journalists but also about preserving the integrity of democracy itself. The EU’s role in holding Greece accountable will be critical in determining whether the country’s media landscape can be restored to a state of openness and fairness.