An Athens court dismissed a defamation lawsuit against journalists by Grigoris Dimitriadis, a key figure in a surveillance scandal. The ruling highlights the ongoing trend of SLAPPs in Greece, which aim to suppress critical media coverage. With Greece’s poor track record in press freedom, advocates call for anti-SLAPP protections to uphold journalistic integrity and freedom.
In a significant victory for press freedom in Greece, an Athens court dismissed a retaliatory defamation lawsuit against journalists last week. The suit was initiated by Grigoris Dimitriadis, nephew of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, following reports linking him to a notable surveillance scandal. This ruling is part of a broader struggle against strategic lawsuits meant to stifle critical media coverage. Dimitriadis, previously the general secretary of the prime minister’s office, had filed the lawsuit against Reporters United journalists and others for their investigations into the “Predatorgate” scandal, which involved illegal surveillance using spyware on Greek citizens. After the scandal’s exposure, Dimitriadis resigned from his position, intensifying scrutiny on government transparency and media integrity. The Athens Court of First Instance decided on October 10 that the journalists’ reports were neither false nor defamatory, acknowledging their substantial public interest. Despite this win, Dimitriadis later lodged a second lawsuit in November 2023, seeking €3.3 million in damages, which remains unresolved. In recognition of his actions, Dimitriadis received the European “SLAPP Politician of the Year Award” in 2022. Press freedom organizations have persistently urged him to retract his lawsuits, reflecting the necessity for protections against legal intimidation in Greece’s media landscape. The situation underscores the troubling decline of press freedom, with Greece ranking last among EU nations in the World Press Freedom Index. To combat this troubling trend of silencing dissent, significant legislative measures, such as anti-SLAPP laws, are essential for safeguarding journalists. The EU recently agreed on similar measures to bolster media protection. Although the court’s victory is encouraging, the struggle for an environment conducive to free journalism is far from over. Greek authorities must foster a landscape where journalists can fearlessly report and challenge power. Such an atmosphere is not just beneficial; it’s essential for democracy to thrive within the nation. This ruling is a hopeful reminder for advocates of press freedom that the fight continues.
The recent ruling against Grigoris Dimitriadis marks a critical moment for media freedom in Greece. SLAPPs, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, have increasingly been used by powerful figures to silence journalists. This case, linked to the unsettling “Predatorgate” scandal involving illegal surveillance, underscores the importance of protecting journalistic inquiry, especially in a nation that has struggled with media freedom and governmental transparency.
The Athens court’s ruling serves as a beacon of hope for journalists in Greece, signifying that accountability and truth have prevailed, if only momentarily. However, the legal challenges continue, exemplifying the ongoing struggle against SLAPPs. For Greece to nurture a functional democracy, it must ensure that journalists can pursue truth without fear of retaliation or intimidation.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
