Human Rights Watch says Greek state undermines media freedom
ATHENS: Human Rights Watch on Thursday criticised Greece's government for "state actions that undermine" the right to information, noting that press freedom in the country has seen "significant deterioration" since the conservatives came to power in 2019.In a report titled "From Bad to Worse," the rights group highlighted intimidation and harassment of journalists, encouragement to self-censor, as well as increased control of the media.Based on 26 interviews with journalists and experts, the report said journalists "have become targets in various ways", including online harassment that is "often orchestrated or encouraged" by pro-government actors."Widespread and deliberate constraints against journalism in Greece create an environment where critical reporting is stifled and self-censorship becomes the norm," HRW's Europe and Central Asia director Hugh Williamson said in a statement.The group has called for "stronger action" from the European Commission.HRW pointed to a 2022 illegal phone tapping scandal in which journalists and politicians were targeted with spyware named Predator, a case that ultimately engulfed the conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.The report also highlighted what it deemed abusive lawsuits (SLAPP) by companies and politicians against journalists, noting the absence of anti-SLAPP legal measures in Greece.The New Democracy government also used state advertising funds to favour pro-government media, the group said.Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Greece 89th out of 180 countries in its global press freedom index for 2025.Among the 27 EU member states, Greece came last for the fourth year in a row.The European Parliament last year adopted a resolution expressing "serious concerns about the deterioration of the rule of law and media freedom in Greece".The Greek government subsequently dismissed these criticisms, calling them "exaggerated" and lacking concrete evidence.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Lucky charm': How a Ukrainian designer styled Zelenskyy for Trump meeting; black suit carried subtle detail
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (AP) Volodymyr Zelenskyy (PTI) Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (AP) Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (AP) Volodymyr Zelenskyy (PTI) Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (AP) Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (AP) 1 2 3 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again set aside a traditional suit during his White House meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, choosing instead a refined version of his signature military-style attire. The outfit, designed by Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov, featured a black suit with a subtle black vent, a detail that brought it closer to civilian wear while maintaining the wartime aesthetic Zelenskyy has favored throughout the conflict. "These are our hopes for peace," Anisimov was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We think that if we add something subtle to this image, something from civilian clothing to his uniform, then it will be like a lucky charm.' Trump praised Zelenskyy's less formal suit as he arrived at the White House for talks on Monday, on the Russia-Ukraine war, a notable shift from their tense February meeting. Earlier this year, however, an American journalist had questioned Zelenskyy's choice of attire during his meeting with Trump and US Vice President JD Vance. Anisimov, 61, from Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, said that while watching videos of the exchange, he felt the remarks were directed not only at Zelenskyy but at the Ukrainian people as a whole. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "There was a slight sense of despair because they do not understand how we breathe, how we live," Anisimov said as quoted by Reuters. Zelenskyy has worn Anisimov's designs at key moments, including the funeral of Pope Francis in April and the NATO Summit in June. "I can't say that we sewed (a suit) specifically for the NATO summit or for an important conversation with Trump and European leaders. The suit is just a suit," Anisimov said. He added that Zelenskyy has about five similar-looking jackets with only small tweaks. The White House reporter, Brian Glenn, who had asked Zelenskyy in February why he was not wearing a suit, praised his outfit choice on Monday, saying, "you look fabulous in that suit". Anisimov said he was not focused on criticism or compliments this time, but on making sure the Ukrainian president appeared dignified. "They praise, they scold. If we win, and we will win, then whose suit it was doesn't matter," he said 'We had already started working on the president's new wardrobe and style in January. After what happened in February, knowing our president's principles, I thought that he would not want to change his style. But no, he decided that we should continue,' Anisimov was quoted as saying by Womenswear Daily. 'It's not about the suit, it's about what happens to Ukraine,' Anisimov added. This was not the first time Anisimov had been tasked with reshaping the president's style. Back in the early 2000s, when Zelenskyy was still a comedian, Anisimov helped design the Ukrainian president's and his crew's wardrobe. Zelenskyy pledged in 2022 that he would not return to wearing a suit and tie or shaving his beard until Ukraine achieves victory in the war, as per the Financial Times.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'It's so amazing': After Lavrov's Soviet sweatshirt, Putin gifts $22k motorcycle to Alaska man; stuns Anchorage retiree
Image courtesy: AP After an Alaskan man went viral on Russian state television for complaining that the cost of repairing his Soviet-era motorcycle had increased due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin , in a benevolent gesture, gave him a brand-new motorcycle, according to the New York Post. Mark Warren, a retired Anchorage fire inspector, claimed that last week, just after Putin's high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump, he received the keys to a new Ural motorcycle from Andrei Ledenev, a representative of the Russian embassy. In a video later shown on state television, the Russian official told Warren, "I have to say that this is a personal gift from the President of the Russian Federation." The heartwarming scenario unfolded on August 9 when Warren was out on his ancient Soviet-era motorcycle running errands when he was stopped by a Russian TV crew. After admiring his ride, the reporter asked him about the Putin-Trump meeting and the war's economic effects. Warren told the Anchorage Daily News that the numerous sanctions imposed on Russia had made it difficult and expensive to fix spare components for his bike because the new production facility was in Ukraine. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Warren claimed that a few days later, he was called by the reporters to let him know that Putin had taken notice of the video after it went viral in Russia. At first, he thought their offer of a brand-new, $22,000 bike was a hoax, calling it "bats-t crazy," as reported by the New York Post. However, the handover was arranged by Russian embassy workers less than 24 hours after Putin and Trump met. According to the claim, Warren was seen on camera accepting the motorcycle and testing it out. It's day and night. Although I still enjoy my old one, this one is clearly superior. It's so amazing that I can't even speak. In the video, Warren remarked, "Thank you very much." Founded in 1941 in Soviet Russia, Ural is a motorcycle manufacturer with its headquarters located in the state of Washington. Following the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the corporation moved its operations to Kazakhstan, according to the New York Post. This is the second instance in which the Russian side has publicly shown its nostalgia for the Soviet Union. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was spotted sporting a white sweatshirt bearing the Russian acronym for the USSR, "CCCP," the day before the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. After the meeting in Alaska, President Putin praised Trump's efforts to end the dispute. "The Ukrainian nation, and I have said it multiple times, is a brotherly nation; however strange it may sound in these conditions. We have the same roots, and everything that's happening is a tragedy for us. And a terrible wound,' Putin remarked, highlighting the historical connections between Ukraine and Russia.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Redistricting row: California Republicans sue to block Governor Newsom's plan; Democrats push fast-track vote
File photo: California Governor Gavin Newsom (Picture credit: AP) California Republicans have asked the state Supreme Court to block Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan, arguing Democrats are rushing legislation that could add five new Democratic congressional seats to counter Republican gains in Texas. The emergency petition, filed Monday by four Republican lawmakers, claims the plan violates the state constitution's 30-day public review rule for new legislation. 'Instead of a months-long transparent and participatory process overseen by an independent citizens redistricting commission … the public would be presented with an up-or-down vote on maps unilaterally prepared in secret by the Legislature,' the lawsuit said, according to The New York Times. Republicans want the court to pause the process until at least September 18 unless each legislative chamber secures a three-fourths vote to move faster, according to news agency Reuters. They also requested the court either rule on the merits by Wednesday or halt the process while the case is under review. Democratic leaders, who hold supermajorities in Sacramento, intend to pass three bills under what they have called the 'Election Rigging Response Act' on Thursday to meet Newsom's deadline for a November 4 special election. A spokesperson for the governor dismissed the challenge, saying: 'Republicans are filing a deeply unserious (and truly laughable) lawsuit to stop Americans from voting? We're neither surprised, nor worried,' as per Axios. The push is part of a broader national battle sparked when US President Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw maps mid-decade to secure five more GOP seats. Democrats in California are now pursuing a 'tit-for-tat' strategy, according to Reuters, to offset Texas and preserve House control. Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-212 majority in the chamber. Critics say the move undermines California's independent redistricting commission, created by voters in 2008 to ensure transparency. Democrats argue it is a temporary emergency measure to counter 'extreme' gerrymandering efforts elsewhere. The lawsuit also highlights technical constitutional questions, including whether the 30-day clock begins when a bill number is assigned or only after the full text is introduced. California law also requires the final text of bills to be available 72 hours before any vote, a rule Democrats say they are observing with Thursday's planned passage, The New York Times reported. The National Republican Congressional Committee has already signalled plans for further litigation.
