The annual report of the European Civil Liberties Union ( Liberties ) for 2024 is a wake-up call for democracy in Greece and a clear indictment of the state of fundamental rights under the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis .

The organization, which closely monitors developments across the EU , includes Greece among the countries where democratic institutions and the rule of law are under pressure, intensifying international concerns about the country’s course.

Media Control – Fear and Censorship

One of the most striking points of the report concerns press freedom , which, according to Liberties, has been undermined to an alarming extent . It highlights the concentration of information in a few, government-friendly media outlets, as well as the insufficient support and protection of investigative journalism. The report speaks of an environment of fear and censorship that has become entrenched in newsrooms, limiting pluralism.

Liberties highlights the opacity in the functioning of the executive branch, the erosion of the independence of oversight mechanisms, while highlighting the instrumentalization of institutions . The report speaks of the weakening of accountability mechanisms and interventions in oversight processes, which alter the balance between the three powers.

Police violence, attacks on journalists

There is also strong criticism of the excessive use of police force, especially during demonstrations and public gatherings. Liberties denounces violations of basic rights, such as the right to assembly and expression, as well as incidents of mistreatment of citizens by security forces. At the same time, reference is made to attacks that have been recorded against journalists, both verbal and physical.

“While covering the protest of seasonal firefighters in Athens, Rizospastis journalist Giorgos Androutsos was violently attacked and forcibly detained by the police. Androutsos said he was a journalist but was nevertheless beaten by the police who handcuffed him. He was taken to Evangelismos Hospital for treatment and was later discharged. The journalist faces charges, ” the report states. In another example, it highlights: “In Greece, journalists have faced several incidents of verbal and physical attacks. While reporting on a fire in Attica , journalist Frixos Dracontidis was punched by an unknown man.”

Business interests and funding in pro-government media outlets

The Liberties report notes that “ the major media groups in Greece are concentrated in a handful of powerful businessmen with interests in other sectors of the economy. The private media is characterized by a small number of wealthy and politically connected families with extensive cross-ownership interests in key sectors, often dependent on public contracts from the government.”

At the same time, it is emphasized that the “allocation of state advertising in Greece continues to be criticized for its lack of transparency and possible bias . State advertising has for some time been distributed in ways that appear to favor pro-government media outlets, raising concerns about indirect influence on media content. There was no noticeable change in 2024. The European Parliament, in its 2024 report, emphasized that Greece must ensure a fair and transparent allocation of state resources to media outlets to avoid undue influence.”

The framework for surveillance is unclear

The report also sheds light on concerns about digital surveillance, highlighting the need for substantial privacy protection guarantees . Despite growing warnings from international organizations, in Greece, as noted, the institutional framework for surveillance remains unclear. 

The report essentially presents and sketches the image of the Mitsotakis government, which, despite the rhetoric of reforms, is “imposing” restrictions on freedoms and weakening institutions . This development is causing intense international concern, not only from organizations but also from European institutions, which are now monitoring Greece with increased caution .

 Another bell for Greek democracy

Liberties’ annual report is an international slap in the face to the Mitsotakis government and the authoritarian practices it uses, increasingly distancing our country from European values ​​and the rule of law.