Greece’s Ongoing Assault on Human Rights: Uncovering a Disturbing Smear Campaign

Greece: Smear Campaign Against Rights Activist

EU Should Act to Uphold Rule of Law, Curb Attacks on Civil Society

June 19, 2023 8:58AM EDT

A prominent human rights activist in Greece, Panayote Dimitras, is facing a smear campaign and judicial harassment. Human Rights Watch has called on the Greek authorities to put an immediate end to these actions and criticized the wider pattern of targeting activists working with migrants in Greece. The United Nations and Council of Europe bodies have also heavily criticized these smear campaigns and prosecutions in Greece.

The Case Against Panayote Dimitras

In late May 2023, Panayote Dimitras learned through media reports that Greece‘s Anti-Money Laundering Authority had ordered his assets frozen pending an investigation into alleged misuse of European Union and other funding related to his organization’s work. This is not the first time that confidential information about Dimitras from the anti-money laundering agency has been leaked to the media.

Smear Campaigns and Judicial Harassment

The case against Dimitras is part of a wider trend of smear campaigns and prosecutions targeting activists working with migrants in Greece. In late 2022, charges were brought against Dimitras and another activist, Tommy Olsen, for their work on shedding light on human rights violations at Greece‘s borders. These unfounded charges and ongoing smear campaigns are deeply concerning and have drawn international criticism.

Erosion of Civil Society in Greece

The Greek government’s actions against human rights defenders and civil society organizations working with migrants are alarming. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has raised concerns about the smear campaigns, threats, and attacks faced by those assisting migrants and asylum seekers in Greece. The Council of Europe human rights commissioner, Dunja Mijatovic, has also warned against the prosecution of Panayote Dimitras and other human rights defenders and called on Greek authorities to provide an enabling environment for their work.

Editorial: Upholding Human Rights and Rule of Law

The smear campaign and judicial harassment against Panayote Dimitras are deeply troubling and highlight the erosion of civil society in Greece. As a member state of the European Union, Greece has a responsibility to uphold human rights and the rule of law. The European Commission, as the overseer of EU project funding, should step in and ensure that any unfounded allegations of misused funds are dispelled. The European Union must make it clear that harassing activists and targeting civil society groups is unacceptable within its member states.

It is crucial for the Greek authorities to drop all charges against Panayote Dimitras and provide a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and journalists to carry out their work freely. The Greek government should recognize the important role that civil society plays in a democratic society and take immediate steps to protect the rights and safety of activists.

Protecting Civil Society and Human Rights

The situation in Greece calls for urgent action to protect civil society and human rights. The Greek authorities must end smear campaigns and judicial harassment against activists and non-governmental organizations working with migrants. They need to create an environment that allows human rights defenders to operate without fear of reprisals or intimidation.

International Support for Panayote Dimitras

International support for Panayote Dimitras and other human rights defenders in Greece is crucial. Sixty-six Greek and international civil society organizations have signed a statement in support of Dimitras, calling for an end to prosecutions and smear campaigns against activists and NGOs working with migrants. This solidarity should be amplified to ensure that the Greek government acknowledges and respects the vital work of human rights defenders.

Furthermore, the international community, including the European Union, should continue to monitor the situation in Greece closely and hold the Greek government accountable for any violations of human rights and the rule of law.

Conclusion: Upholding Democratic Principles

The smear campaign and judicial harassment against Panayote Dimitras are indicative of the challenges faced by civil society and human rights defenders in Greece. The Greek government must uphold democratic principles and protect the rights and safety of those working to expose human rights violations and seek justice for vulnerable populations.

The European Union has a vital role to play in ensuring that its member states uphold human rights and the rule of law. It is essential for the European Commission to intervene and dispel any unfounded allegations against Panayote Dimitras, while also sending a clear message that harassment of activists will not be tolerated within the European Union.

Protecting civil society and human rights defenders is essential for a thriving democracy. The Greek government should take immediate steps to drop all charges against Panayote Dimitras and create an enabling environment for activists to carry out their crucial work without fear of reprisals.

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