A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that press freedom in Greece is under serious threat. The group says journalists in the country face growing pressure, including state surveillance, lawsuits, and fear of violence. This pressure has led many to self-censor or stop reporting on sensitive issues. HRW claims that while Greece promotes a modern, democratic image to the world, the reality for many reporters is very different. The report calls on the European Union to monitor Greece more closely and help protect the right to free and fair journalism.
Journalists Speak of Fear, Censorship, and Pressure
HRW interviewed 26 journalists, along with legal experts, scholars, and media professionals. The findings paint a grim picture. Most of the reporters said their work environment has worsened since 2019. Some spoke of being harassed by officials. Others shared that they now avoid stories that might upset powerful people.
One foreign journalist even said they were thinking of leaving Greece. The stress and danger had become too much. A veteran TV journalist described tight control over newsrooms and content. Independent voices, they said, are being silenced.
Much of Greece’s media is owned or influenced by people with ties to the ruling party. These owners are accused of shaping what gets reported and how. Since Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took office, the government has been accused of using public money and lawsuits to control the media message.
Spyware and Surveillance Raise Alarm
A key part of the HRW report focuses on illegal surveillance. In one high-profile case from 2022, known as PredatorGate, journalists were allegedly targeted using spyware. HRW says this surveillance discouraged reporters from meeting with sources or working on sensitive stories.
Seven journalists showed signs of being watched—either through phone tapping or commercial spyware tools. One freelance reporter, Stavros Malichoudis, found out in 2021 that he was being tracked by Greek intelligence. He stopped reporting for months.
This surveillance, HRW says, goes beyond privacy concerns. It strikes at the heart of a free press.
Lawsuits and Media Funding Used as Tools
The report also looks at how the legal system is used to silence critics. While Greece has dropped criminal penalties for “simple defamation,” it still punishes “insult” and “slander.” These charges are often used against journalists who publish critical stories.
Some reporters have even been sued by people close to the prime minister. At the same time, state advertising funds often go to pro-government outlets, leaving independent media underfunded.
Public news services like ERT and AMNA are under strong government influence, according to HRW. This gives the ruling party even more power to shape what citizens see and hear.
Government Pushes Back, EU Faces Pressure
HRW shared its findings with Greek officials before releasing the report. The government’s response was limited. Officials pointed to small reforms but largely rejected the claims. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis cited the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report, saying it proves Greece respects media freedom.
Still, Greece has come under fire from other organizations as well. Reporters Without Borders ranked Greece low in their 2024 World Press Freedom Index, noting similar concerns.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis has called these criticisms “unfair.” He claims that Greece’s democratic institutions remain strong. But growing evidence suggests the gap between public image and press reality is wide.
EU Urged to Step In and Defend Free Journalism
HRW’s Europe Director Hugh Williamson said the European Commission must act. He called for stronger EU oversight and pressure to ensure Greece follows democratic norms.
“Without urgent change,” Williamson said, “the space for independent journalism in Greece will keep shrinking.”
The report ends with a call to protect press freedom, not just in Greece, but across the EU. It warns that when journalism is silenced, democracy itself is at risk.