Overview

• Human Rights Watch's 101-page report details the deterioration of media freedom in Greece since the New Democracy government took office in 2019.
• Journalists face state surveillance, harassment, and abusive lawsuits, fostering self-censorship and threatening democratic accountability.
• The report highlights the use of spyware, including the 2022 wiretapping scandal, and SLAPP lawsuits to intimidate journalists and suppress critical reporting.
• State funding and editorial control over public media are identified as tools to sway coverage in favor of the ruling party, further stifling independent journalism.
• The EU and international watchdogs have expressed concern but have yet to enforce binding measures, while the Greek government dismisses allegations and claims progress.