Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump and Putin to Discuss Ukraine-Russia Deal This Week via Phone

March 16, 2025

Trump Cabinet Member Claims CIA Restructured to Reduce Politicization

April 30, 2025

Trump Supporter Confronts Letitia James, Demands Apology

May 8, 2025

Americans Can Use DOGE to Report Federal Regulatory Challenges

April 13, 2025

U.S. Deportation Flight for Asian Migrants to South Sudan, Lawyers Claim

May 20, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Ukrainian Spy Agency Officer Killed in Kyiv Shooting
  • Terrorist Apo’s Video Reveals Password and Manifesto Insights
  • Trump Welcomes Nvidia CEO for White House Discussion
  • Midday Stock Highlights: MP, DAL, KLG, HTZ Stand Out
  • Criticism Mounts Over Plans to Reopen Ani Cathedral as Mosque
  • Trump Commends Liberia’s President for English Proficiency as Native Speaker
  • Prospective Mars Buyers Face Costs Up to $4 Million
  • Missing Australian Surfer Rescued Alive on Island After Extensive Search
  • Trump Official Censures Fed Chief Over Office Renovations Amid Criticism of Interest Rates
  • Ferrero Acquires WK Kellogg for $3.1 Billion
  • Mossad Linked to 2020 Assassination of Iranian Nuclear Scientist
  • Canadian Police Official Links Traditional Values to Extremism Risks
  • U.S. Weapons Resupply to Ukraine Insufficient Against Ongoing Russian Attacks
  • Tesla Expands Robotaxi Service to Phoenix, Competing with Waymo
  • South African Woman Killed on Luxury Yacht in Bahamas
  • $20 Million Claim Filed Against Trump Administration by Mahmoud Khalil
  • Tech Job Search Platforms to Cut 1,300 Jobs Amid AI Disruption
  • Trump’s Brazil Tariffs May Increase Coffee Prices
  • Amanda Anisimova Reaches Wimbledon Finals After Overcoming Burnout
  • Syrian Activist Delivers Uncommon Peace Message to Israeli Knesset
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Thursday, July 10
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Europe News » Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Deteriorating Press Freedom in Greece
Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Deteriorating Press Freedom in Greece

Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Deteriorating Press Freedom in Greece

News EditorBy News EditorMay 9, 2025 Europe News 5 Mins Read

A recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has painted a grim picture of press freedom in Greece, highlighting significant restrictions affecting journalists. The findings underscore a broader climate of fear and self-censorship that has emerged since the current government took office in 2019. This report not only raises concerns about the current state of democracy in Greece but also calls for increased vigilance and intervention from the European Union to protect media freedoms.

Article Subheadings
1) The Press Freedom Crisis in Greece
2) Evidence from Journalists and Experts
3) The Impact of Government Actions
4) Government Response and Public Perception
5) Recommendations to Uphold Press Freedom

The Press Freedom Crisis in Greece

According to the Human Rights Watch report titled “From Bad to Worse: The Deterioration of Media Freedom in Greece,” the current media landscape is in dire straits. It highlights that actions and inactions by the Greek government have led to a climate where press freedom is under threat. Journalists are facing increasing limitations on their ability to report freely, contributing to a culture of fear and self-censorship that undermines democracy.

The report elaborates that the situation has worsened significantly since the New Democracy government, led by **Kyriakos Mitsotakis**, took power in July 2019. Officials from HRW assert that it is crucial for the European Union to monitor the situation closely. They posit that continued oversight is necessary to ensure that media freedoms are upheld and that democracy is not eroded further.

Evidence from Journalists and Experts

The findings of HRW’s report are based on extensive interviews with 26 journalists from various sectors, including print, television, and online media. This cohort also included academics and legal experts with insights into the current media climate in Greece. Their research indicates a grim picture: 22 out of 26 journalists reported feeling increasingly vulnerable in their roles, with many citing specific instances of harassment from government officials.

For instance, one independent journalist shared,

“Now I am thinking of leaving the country. I really am. I just don’t see the point in subjecting myself to this level of stress.”

This sentiment is echoed by others who fear for both their safety and the safety of their sources, leading to choices that compromise their professional integrity.

The Impact of Government Actions

The HRW report raises serious concerns regarding the increased surveillance and intimidation tactics used against journalists. Notably, it references the alleged use of surveillance software, including the notorious Predator, purportedly deployed by the government to spy on journalists. This action has sparked what observers have termed a major surveillance scandal, further instilling fear among media professionals.

The report specifically highlights a trend where journalists encounter repercussions not only from individual officials but also from the legal system itself. Allegations of abusive lawsuits, particularly Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), signify another mechanism for silencing criticism. These legal tactics create an inhospitable atmosphere for investigative journalism, compounding the existing climate of hostility.

Government Response and Public Perception

In response to the HRW findings, government spokesperson **Pavlos Marinakis** asserted that the only genuine measure of press freedom in EU member states is reflected in the European Commission’s annual reports on rule of law, which includes specific insights into media conditions. However, many observers remain skeptical of this claim, given the increasing evidence of press suppression.

Prime Minister **Kyriakos Mitsotakis** has publicly dismissed the European Parliament’s concerns about the state of human rights in Greece, asserting that the country’s rule of law is “stronger than ever.” Such statements have led critics, including HRW, to argue that the government is not taking the escalating crises affecting media freedom seriously enough. There is a palpable tension between the government’s narrative and the troubling realities faced by journalists.

Recommendations to Uphold Press Freedom

Human Rights Watch has vehemently called for the European Union to take action. The organization is urging the EU to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Greece and to ensure that real progress is made toward improving media freedoms. They stress the importance of safeguarding democratic values that underpin the European project.

The report recommends that the EU should actively engage with Greek officials to advocate for systemic reforms. These reforms need to focus on enhancing protections for journalists, ensuring accountability, and tackling the hostile environment that threatens press integrity. Only through vigilant oversight and unwavering commitment to democratic standards can Greece return to a state where media freedom is respected and upheld.

No. Key Points
1 The HRW report critiques Greece’s deteriorating press freedom.
2 Fear and self-censorship plague journalists in the country.
3 Evidence of harassment and surveillance against media professionals is increasing.
4 The government has dismissed concerns and claims the rule of law is strong.
5 HRW urges the EU to monitor and influence improvements in media freedoms.

Summary

The recent report from Human Rights Watch underscores the alarming state of press freedom in Greece, marked by government-sanctioned harassment, surveillance, and legal intimidation targeting journalists. As the international community calls for accountability, the Greek government continues to downplay the severity of these issues, signifying a critical juncture for democracy in the country. Only through proactive measures from both the EU and domestic stakeholders can Greece hope to foster an environment conducive to independent journalism and democratic principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What prompted the Human Rights Watch report on Greece?

The report was prompted by the increasing restrictions on press freedom in Greece, highlighted by personal testimonies from journalists facing harassment and intimidation.

Question: How does government surveillance affect journalists in Greece?

Government surveillance creates a fear-driven environment among journalists, leading to self-censorship and reluctance to report freely on critical issues.

Question: What steps does HRW recommend for improving press freedom in Greece?

HRW recommends that the European Union monitor the situation closely and advocate for reforms to enhance protections for journalists and ensure accountability for those who infringe on media rights.

Brexit Continental Affairs Cultural Developments Deteriorating Economic Integration Energy Crisis Environmental Policies EU Policies European Leaders European Markets European Politics European Union Eurozone Economy Freedom Greece highlights Human Infrastructure Projects International Relations Migration Issues Press Regional Cooperation Regional Security report rights Social Reforms Technology in Europe Trade Agreements WATCH
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Europe News

Mossad Linked to 2020 Assassination of Iranian Nuclear Scientist

6 Mins Read
Europe News

UK and Oasis Fans Clash: The Ongoing Dispute Explained

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Startups Favor UK but Struggle with IPO Market

6 Mins Read
Europe News

EU Concern Grows Ahead of Upcoming US Tariff Deal

6 Mins Read
Europe News

EU Commission Engages with X Over Grok’s Antisemitic Remarks

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Faroe Islands Introduce Secretive Travel Experiences

6 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

USDA Cancels Study Misrepresented by DOGE as Transgender Research

March 11, 2025

FBI Director Focuses on Eliminating Chinese Influence in the U.S.

April 5, 2025

Trump Criticizes “TACO” Trade Question as Offensive Amidst Broader Trade Discussion

May 28, 2025

Trump Defends $400M Boeing 747 Jet Gift from Qatar

May 13, 2025

Video of Trump Allegedly Snubbing Cheryl Hines Sparks Controversy, Lacks Full Context

April 13, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.