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Journalists and media workers in Greece are facing increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and press freedoms, which have intensified since 2021. Recently, the European Union published a report that praised Greece’s legal framework, sparking protests from 14 media and human rights organizations. These groups criticized the report for ignoring the erosion of the rule of law in Greece, a situation they argue contributes to the suppression of media freedom.
In a joint statement issued on August 1, 2024, 14 international and Greek media and human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, expressed their concerns over the European Union Commission’s report from July 24, 2024. The statement claims that the report misrepresents the reality of the rule of law in Greece, especially at a time when freedom of information, expression, and civic space are under severe threat.
The statement further argued that the overly positive narrative in the EU report starkly contrastswith the troubling reality on the ground, where journalists, activists, and civil society organizations face ongoing intimidation and repression.
The organizations also pointed out that the European report contradicts growing international concerns about the rule of law in Greece. These concerns were underscored by a letter from 17 human rights organizations and journalists to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in February 2024.
By ignoring the pressing issues facing the media and civil society, the European Commission’s findings could embolden the Greek government to continue its “crackdown” on independent media and civil society, the organizations warned. They urged the EU to publicly condemn the escalating restrictions on press freedom in Greece.
Journalists in Greece are often subjected to harassment and intimidation, including government surveillance through the use of commercial spyware, abusive legal actions, and coordinated online smear campaigns, often initiated or supported by pro-government actors. These tactics endanger journalists’ safety, confidentiality, and ability to operate freely.
Greece currently ranks last among European Union countries in the World Press Freedom Index, as published by Reporters Without Borders. Globally, Greece placed 88th out of 180 countries in the 2024 index. Reporters Without Borders highlighted that Greece has been suffering from a systematic crisis in press freedom since 2021.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Protecting media freedom is essential for good governance in both small and large democracies. Independent, free, and pluralistic media are crucial to this effort.
Human rights organizations continue to call on the international community to protect and promote press freedom and to address the challenges faced by journalists and media workers worldwide.
