Human Rights Watch Reports Press Freedom Deterioration in Greece Since 2019

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report condemning the deterioration of press freedom in Greece since Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' administration began in 2019. The report highlights pervasive state surveillance, harassment, intimidation by pro-government actors, and abusive lawsuits, including Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which have created an environment of self-censorship and stifled critical journalism. At least 15 journalists have faced legal threats, and spyware scandals have further exposed attempts to undermine media independence. HRW criticizes the government's influence over public media and use of state funds to sway coverage, calling these actions a threat to democracy and the rule of law. Despite government denials and claims of progress reflected in the European Commission’s reports, HRW urges the European Union to closely monitor Greece and push for reforms including public media independence, anti-SLAPP legislation, and protections against surveillance. The findings are based on extensive interviews with journalists, academics, and media experts, and are corroborated by Greece's low ranking in press freedom indexes such as that from Reporters Without Borders.