“Unworthy of democracy”: RSF demanded that Marinakis withdraw his threats to the journalist

International organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on a government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis withdraw threats of prosecution against the journalist Christos Avramidis.

The reason was an incident during a live broadcast of a government briefing, when a cabinet representative threatened the journalist with filing a lawsuit like SLAPP after a question about the tragedy with migrants near the island Chios.

The shipwreck killed 15 peoplemore 25 were injured.

In an official statement, RSF condemned Marinakis’ attack and threats of legal action, calling them an attempt to intimidate.

In a post on social media X, the organization noted:

“Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis threatened journalist Christos Avramidis with legal action for asking reasonable questions about the maritime tragedy. RSF calls on him to withdraw these statements, which are an attempt at intimidation unworthy of democracy.”

Let us recall that in the annual RSF press freedom rating Greece borrowed in 2025 89th placethe last among the countries of the European Union.

During the briefing, a journalist asked whether the Coast Guard had taken action to rescue or prevent the deaths of migrants.

#Grece: le porte-parole du gouvernement @pavlmarin a menacé le journaliste @chris_avramidisde de poursuites judiciaires pour avoir posé des questions légitimes sur une tragedie en mer. RSF l’appelle à retirer ces propos, une tentative d’intimidation indigne d’une démocratie. pic.twitter.com/HP5YTN5Ecc

— RSF (@RSF_inter) February 10, 2026

In response, Marinakis stated that the mission of the Coast Guard is border protection and preventing illegal entry without endangering human life.

He also added that services act “often beyond their human capabilities” to save people.

Avramidis countered by pointing out that once a vessel enters Greek territorial waters, the only legal action under international law is salvationnot containment.

“Because this was not done, we got 15 dead. Did you just admit that the operation was a containment operation?” – asked the journalist.

The government spokesman then launched a personal attack and threatened legal action.

Editorial comment

Usage SLAPP lawsuits against journalists undermines the very foundation freedom of speech.

Instead of openly answering uncomfortable questions, the authorities resort to legal pressure, creating the effect of self-censorship.

This practice does not strengthen trust in institutions, but only reinforces the feeling that criticism in Greece is increasingly perceived as a threat.

When a government representative responds to questions with judgment rather than arguments, this is no longer communication—it is a signal to everyone else: be silent.

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