Greece, the cradle of democracy, is now facing a profound crisis in its rule of law, one that threatens to erode the very foundations of our society. The European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report , published on July 24, 2024, portrays an overly optimistic picture of the situation in Greece. This report, however, fails to capture the alarming realities on the ground. Media freedom, civil liberties, and the right to information are under siege in Greece, and the European Commission’s failure to adequately address these issues risks further emboldening the forces that seek to stifle democratic expression.
A Misleading Assessment
The European Commission’s report acknowledges some concerns, such as the independence and resources of the media regulator, threats to journalists’ safety, and the rise of strategic lawsuits against public participation. However, it fails to grasp the severity of the crisis. It disproportionately focuses on positive developments, such as the decriminalization of simple defamation, without adequately addressing the chronic flaws in the implementation of reforms and the deep-rooted systemic issues that continue to undermine media freedom.
This rosy portrayal is not just an oversight; it is a disservice to the Greek people and the values the European Union claims to uphold. The report glosses over the fact that Greece ranks last among EU countries in the World Press Freedom Index, a ranking that should have set off alarm bells. Instead, the European Commission seems content with a surface-level analysis that ignores the day-to-day realities faced by journalists, activists, and civil society organizations.
The Strangling of Press Freedom
The Greek media landscape has become increasingly hostile to independent journalism. Journalists are routinely harassed, intimidated, and surveilled, often by state actors or pro-government forces. The use of commercial spyware like Predator to monitor journalists and opposition figures has created an environment of fear and self-censorship. This surveillance scandal, known as Predatorgate, remains unresolved and further erodes trust in the Greek government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The lack of successful investigation into the surveillance practices and the continued pressure on those who seek to uncover the truth underscore the deep-rooted problems within Greece’s legal and political system. The fact that the National Intelligence Service (EYP) remains under the direct command of the Prime Minister only adds to the concerns about government involvement in these practices. The absence of special protections for journalists in the legal framework and the unregulated use of spyware by the National Intelligence Service (EYP) further weaken the protection of journalistic sources and communications.
In a recent decision that epitomizes the lack of accountability, Greece’s Supreme Court prosecutor cleared all state agencies of responsibility for the use of Predator spyware against dozens of prominent individuals, including journalists. This ruling, coupled with the continued lack of action to investigate and prosecute those responsible for surveillance, sends a clear message: those who seek to intimidate and silence the press in Greece can do so with impunity.
The chilling effect of these actions is palpable. Journalists are forced to operate in an environment where their safety is at constant risk, and their sources and communications are vulnerable to state interference. The unresolved murder of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz in 2021 is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to report on sensitive issues. The recent acquittal of suspects in his case further perpetuates the climate of impunity, making it clear that the state is either unwilling or unable to protect its journalists.
The Need for Stronger Action
Civil society organizations and human rights defenders in Greece face significant obstacles in their work, particularly those dealing with migration issues. These organizations often find themselves targeted by the state, facing criminal charges and other forms of harassment for their efforts to assist vulnerable populations.
The incoming European Commission must take a stronger stance on upholding fundamental rights and democratic values in Greece. This includes publicly condemning specific instances of press freedom restrictions, civil society crackdowns, and rule of law violations. The people of Greece deserve a government that respects their rights and a free press that can hold power to account without fear of retribution.
The international community, including the EU, must not turn a blind eye to the deteriorating situation in Greece. Press freedom and the rule of law are cornerstones of democracy, and their erosion in Greece should serve as a wake-up call for all who cherish these values. The time for action is now, before it is too late.
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