Introduction
Bombing in Greece’s capital sparks concerns over a resurgence in terrorism
On 3rd February 2024, a bomb exploded in central Athens in front of the Ministry of Labour. While no casualties were reported, the blast caused damage to the building and others in the vicinity. Footage from surveillance cameras in the area showed a man on the road to the ministry who hung a sack of explosives on a steel railing. Prior to the explosion, a man called a local newspaper claiming that the Revolutionary Class Self-Defense group had planted a bomb that would explode in 40 minutes, thus the police had the chance to cordon off the area before the explosion.
Greece has a history of political violence. Public Order Minister Michael Chrysochoides stated that the authorities are increasingly concerned over a resurgence in terrorism.
European Parliament sounds the alarm on rule of law and media freedom in Greece
On 7th February 2024, members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the worrying developments in Greece in regards to media freedom and the rule of law.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) sounded the alarm over the lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of journalist George Karaivaz in 2021. They denounced the ongoing issue of physical and verbal attacks on journalists, including from high-ranking politicians, as well as the violations of the right to privacy, with allegations of the use of spyware against media workers. The European Parliament also condemned the use of “national security threats” as a mechanism to wiretap political opponents.
MEPs called on the European Commission to assess whether the breaches of fundamental rights are grave enough to merit reconsidering the transfer of some EU funds to the country.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been criticised by human rights and media organisations over democratic backsliding which has worsened under his premiership. Greece currently ranks the lowest-ranking among EU countries on the World Press Freedom Index.
Greece’s New Democracy government rejected the European Parliament resolution, calling the vote “mudslinging” and “slander”. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told reporters that “Greece is being slandered”.
Freedom of Expression
New lawsuits in “Predatorgate” case
On 24th November 2023, Grigoris Dimitriadis, the nephew of the Greek Prime Minister, who previously served as a General Secretary of the PM’s office, filed a lawsuit against several Greek media outlets and journalists.
Preceding the lawsuit were new revelations about the role of Dimitradis’s phone played in allegedly sending messages infected with the spyware known as “Predator”. Already in 2021, lawsuits were filed against similar defendants.
The targeted newspaper included Efimerida ton Syntakton (EfFyn), as well as three executives from the newspaper and three journalists from investigative media Reporters United. A separate lawsuit was filed against Alter Ego Media group. Dimitriadis sought high monetary sums in damages and compensation for moral damages.
In November 2023, journalists had published a report which detailed that Dimitriadis’ phone number was used to send links infected with spyware. The report is based on a detailed investigation of the Greek Data Protection Authority and judicial authorities. The individuals named in the lawsuit stood by the accuracy of their reporting, which was in the public interest, and intended to fight the lawsuit in court.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) joined eight other international press freedom organisations in issuing a statement in support of the media workers facing the lawsuits. “The undersigned international freedom of expression and media freedom organisations today renew our condemnation of a groundless defamation lawsuit filed against Greek journalists and media by Grigoris Dimitriadis, the nephew of the Prime Minister, and urge the plaintiff to urgently withdraw the lawsuit ahead of an upcoming hearing. Rather than being targeted by financially and psychologically draining lawsuits, both Reporters United and EFSYN instead deserve credit for their watchdog reporting” the statement read.
On 25th January 2024, the journalists and media outlets appeared in court. Nikos Alivizatos, a leading expert in constitutional law, underscored the case’s significance for civil rights and the rule of law. As the proceedings took place in the Athens court of first instance, protesters gathered with reporters in solidarity at the court.
High fines against newspaper Documento
On 7th December 2023, the Greek newspaper Documento announced it had received a fine of 435,000 EUR from the Independent Authority of Public Revenue (AADE). AADE imposed the fine because in 2017, the newspaper allegedly gave discounts on advertisements and took black money from a number of well-known advertisers to avoid paying taxes. After appealing, the fine was reduced to 250,000 EUR.
The newspaper does not deny giving discounts on advertisements, but claims that there was no black money involved. Documento denounced the fine, asserting that the Greek government was attempting to close down the newspaper, which had published leading investigative reporting on the abuse of power. The newspaper plans to continue the court proceedings, but must pay the fine first.
Changes to penal code threaten journalists
In November 2023, the Greek Ministry of Justice presented draft amendments to the penal code, which dealt with defamation. Media unions warned that the changes could put journalists at greater risk of receiving prison sentences for criminal defamation.
The penal code reform would make it more difficult for those convicted of criminal defamation to have their sentences suspended upon appeal. The definition of simple defamation would be removed from the penal code; however, aggravated defamation (libel) would remain. Journalists convicted of knowingly disseminating false information about an individual would only have a suspension granted if they received a sentence of under one year.
With this reform, the decision on whether to imprison a journalist prosecuted for a misdemeanor would be taken by a judge, rather than a three-member panel, as is the current practice.
The public consultation over the bill took place on 28th December 2023, and Parliament is expected to vote in early 2024.
Media freedom organisations call on the European Union to take action
On 30th January 2024, media freedom organisations published a comprehensive analysis of the steady decline in press freedom in Greece over the last few years. The report followed a joint monitoring mission to the country in September 2023.
The organisations called on the European Union to put pressure on the Greek authorities to deliver justice for crimes against journalists, as well as protect them against arbitrary surveillance, physical attacks and gag lawsuits. The report mentions a variety of challenges currently faced by journalists in the country, including the arbitrary surveillance of at least 13 media professionals by the National Intelligence Service and the use of the Predator spyware.
Freedom of Assembly
Farmers' protests take place in Greece
In February 2024, Greek farmers set up blockades in the country and threatened to escalate their protest actions unless the government assisted with managing the higher energy prices and the growing impact of climate change. Additionally, the farmers sought compensation for losses due to the flooding in the country in September 2023.
On 1st February 2024, around 300 tractors gathered at the annual agricultural fair in Thessaloniki. On 2nd February 2024, farmers dumped chestnuts and apples outside of the agricultural fair in protest, and on the same day, the Greek government promised to help with energy costs for farmers, including a one-year extension of a tax rebate for diesel. Prime Minister Mitsotakis told Parliament that the measures would cost the state 82 million EUR in 2024.
On 6th February 2024, farmers announced that they would block highways and converge on Athens in their tractors. Prime Minister Mitsotakis indicated that he could meet with protest leaders, as long as there were no disruptions to the roads.
On 20th February 2024, thousands of Greek farmers decided to converge on Athens, bringing 130 tractors with them. The protesters demanded further compensation for natural disasters, tax-free diesel, and protection against foreign competition, emphasising that their fight is not only for their survival but for everyone's. Symbolic gestures, such as a tractor adorned with a black coffin and funeral wreaths, illustrated the perceived demise of the agricultural sector. Despite the government's stance on fiscal limitations and efforts to address concerns, the farmers vowed to intensify the protest.
Proposed educational reforms lead to student protests
On 1st February 2024, protests erupted in Athens and other Greek cities, triggered by proposed educational reform. The conservative government is expected to present a bill to parliament in February 2024 that would permit foreign private universities to operate inside Greece.
Thousands of students and other demonstrators marched through central Athens. When most protestors had passed the parliamentary building, a group broke free and clashed with police. The police responded with teargas. Local media reported that garbage containers were set on fire.
The government expects this decision to bolster the economy and reverse a brain drain of academics, which was prompted by the 2010 to 2018 debt crisis. Opponents of the bill fear it will devalue degrees acquired at Greek public universities and the private system will discriminate against those who are not able to afford its costs.
A few days later, on 5th February, new protests took place in reaction to a police operation in Komotini, a city in northern Greece. The demonstration was directed against a police intervention at a so-called “university occupation”, a form of protest which usually involves a few dozen students who barricade themselves into a school or faculty for several days. Protesters claimed the police used excessive force, throwing students on the ground and hitting them.
Eighteen students in Komotini were taken into custody, six of whom were released later the same day.
On 8th February, more than 15,000 protesters gathered in Athens to protest against the government's reform plans. Participants yelled “hands off education” as they marched outside the University of Athens' main building. Greek police shot tear gas and stun grenades at a group of 30 hooded teenagers who were throwing petrol bombs and setting fire to garbage cans. Parliament is scheduled to vote on the education bill before the end of the month.
LGBTQI+ Rights
Government presents new bill on same-sex marriages
On 16th February 2024, Greece made history by becoming the world's first Christian Orthodox country to legalise same-sex marriage. Parliament passed the reform with a majority of 176 out of 300 votes in favour amid significant public and political debate. The legislation allows same-sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies and adopt children, marking a significant step forward in LGBTQI+ rights in Greece.
The move, championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis despite strong opposition within his own party and from the Orthodox church, aligns Greece with 36 other countries that recognise marriage equality. Mitsotakis emphasised that the law would improve the lives of many citizens without detracting from others, bridging a significant gap in equality.
The reform faced criticism for not addressing the issue of surrogacy for same-sex couples, leaving many in the community feeling that the legislation did not go far enough in rights protection. Advocacy groups and opposition parties highlighted the limitations and the divisive language used during debates, pointing out the ongoing challenges in achieving full equality.
Despite threats of excommunication from Orthodox bishops and vehement opposition from some political parties, the law was passed with the support of the main opposition party, Syriza, and others. Prime Minister Mitsotakis hailed the vote as a milestone for human rights in Greece, highlighting the country's commitment to progressive values and its European Union membership.