Greece: Why are you threatening journalists?

  Maria Rigoutsou - Deutsche Welle 
13 hours ago
The recent threats by the government spokesperson to a journalist, stating that they would face the consequences of the Law for a clarifying question, cause concern. Is this the Greece of Europe?

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." These words attributed to Voltaire succinctly encapsulate the catalytic role of the Enlightenment in the evolution of modern democracies. Voltaire (1694-1778) fought centuries ago for freedom of speech. And today, in the country that gave birth to Democracy, a government spokesperson threatens a journalist that they will face the consequences of the Law for a clarifying question posed in relation to the tragic shipwreck off Chios, which resulted in the loss of 15 lives. Why?

Also, one of the fundamental Articles of the Constitution is Article 14: (Freedom of the Press), which explicitly states that 

"1. Everyone can express and disseminate orally, in writing and through the Press their thoughts, observing the laws of the State.

2. The Press is free. Censorship and any other preventive measure are prohibited."

But what do we mean by "the Press is free"? Because if journalists are intimidated with lawsuits, so as not to ask questions that obviously put the government spokesperson in a difficult position, then what freedom of the Press are we talking about?

Greece last in the EU

How much transparency is there in the Press in Greece? Image: Florian Schmitz/DW

The issue is not only about this specific case and these specific individuals. It is broader. Unfortunately, Greece, according to Reporters Without Borders, ranks 89th in the world map for press freedom and last in the EU. Such behaviors reinforce the view that journalists in Greece cannot freely ask the questions they want to submit. I cannot imagine that the German government spokesperson would ever dare to speak in such a tone to any colleague. Because it's not just what you say that matters, but how you say it. To recall older discussions in public discourse about the signifier and the signified.

No, Mr. Government Spokesperson, you do not have the right to threaten. Perhaps you should even congratulate the colleague and all colleagues who ask you uncomfortable questions, because they are the ones who primarily give you the opportunity to unfold your arguments as convincingly as possible. After all, isn't it with these that you want to convince the Press and public opinion? Since European identity is so valuable to Greece, you should defend it accordingly. As they do in Europe. With politeness, tolerance, and respect. Centuries may have passed since the Enlightenment, but its stakes seem very current.

Maria Rigoutsou Journalist in the Greek Section of DW. She deals with political, cultural & social issues.