MEPs express concern about the rule of law in Greece

The European Parliament on Wednesday called on the commission to act over “serious concerns” about the rule of law in Greece, pointing to a hostile environment for journalists, the use of spyware against political opponents and journalists, and abuse of power by the police.

MEPs adopted the resolution with 330 votes in favor, 254 voted against and 26 abstained.

European parliamentarians noted the lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of crime reporter Giorgos Karaivas in April 2021 and said journalists were being subjected to physical threats and verbal attacks, in some cases even by senior politicians, as well as their privacy being violated through illegal spyware. They also cite wrongful lawsuits (SLAPPs) from businessmen and politicians mentioned in the journalism.

Regarding the wiretapping scandal, the resolution condemned the widespread use of “national security” as a way to wiretap political opponents, including MEPs. In response to the scandal, MEPs are calling for an effective investigation with the help of Europol, and also raising concerns about the transfer of the investigation to another prosecutor and political pressure, intimidation and harassment of officials who scrutinize the government.

The resolution also points to excessive use of force by the police, poor quality of subsequent investigations and judicial decisions, lengthy legal proceedings and possible conflicts of interest, including infiltration of the police by organized crime.

MEPs also cite the treatment of migrants and reports of systematic displacement, as well as attacks on civil society, particularly smear campaigns and prosecutions of human rights defenders.

They also said they suspected a “lack of political impartiality” in the parliamentary inquiry into the Tempe train disaster, which killed dozens of people in February 2023.

The European Parliament called on the Commission to make full use of available tools to combat violations of values EU in Greece, including an assessment of the use of EU funds.

The resolution is here on the website EP.

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