New report claims Greek media is under threat

·

The safety of the free media in Greece has been called into question as of late due to a report that was released last week by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), an association led by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom. 

This report showed that Greece had dropped five places in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index. The index highlighted the current danger for press freedom as the country is handing out hidden funds, evidence of censorship and violence against journalists. 

Greece has now fallen to 70th rank in the index making it the 4th worst ranking in the European Union. 

The MFRR report shows statistics of the decline in press freedom since the New Democracy party came into power in 2019. According to the report, the party in power is “obsessed with controlling the message,” and “minimising critical and dissenting voices.”

“News that is inconvenient or unflattering for the government, which includes reporting on serious human rights violations, does not get reported in many outlets, creating a significant obstacle for the public’s access to information and, subsequently, their informed participation in the democratic process,” the report says.

The report also shines a light on the murder of crime reporter Giorgios Karaivaz in April 2021, which revealed deeper problems such as the overall safety of journalists in Greece. 

Calls to ensure that whoever is behind Karaivaz’ murder is brought to justice have been loud after the release of this report and there are also calls to ensure all attacks against journalists are properly investigated. 

“The investigation progress appears slow and lacks basic transparency, which has had a chilling effect and leads to mistrust about the authorities’ ability or willingness to protect the journalistic community,” says the report.

Source: Politico

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett to launch book on Nick Thyssen’s legacy

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, supporter of Greece and its diaspora, will launch the biography of Nick Thyssen (Nikos Theodosiadis).

Ithacans in Melbourne enjoy sell-out film screening to support archaeological preservation

On Sunday, at Palace Como in Melbourne, a sell-out crowd of 135 Ithacans and friends gathered to see the historical epic, The Return.

You May Also Like

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia: Bishop Aimilianos of Meloa ordained on Christmas Day

This year, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia shared two celebrations on December 25th, Christmas Day as well as the ordainment of Bishop Aimilianos of Meloa. The Holy...

Greece’s top court blocks construction of tall buildings around Acropolis

Greece’s Council of State has issued rulings that temporarily suspend the construction of buildings in central Athens that obstruct view of Acropolis Hill.

Sophie Cotsis MP comments on SafeWork NSW review

A report highlighted serious fails with SafeWork NSW, leaving the agency criticised for excessive “light touch” investigations.