Amnesty International highlights ongoing Human Rights Violations in Greece
Amnesty International's latest annual report on human rights highlights a series of ongoing violations in Greece, touching on critical issues including police violence, refugee treatment, freedom of expression, and the rights of minority groups.
Police Violence and Deaths in Custody
The report references several high-profile incidents, such as the 2018 death of LGBTQ+ activist Zak Kostopoulos, and the 2023 death of Kostas Manioudakis during a police check in Crete. Migrant worker Kamran Asikh also died in police custody in September, with visible injuries raising concerns of abuse.
Refugee and Migrant Rights
Amnesty criticizes Greece for ongoing deadly shipwrecks and illegal pushbacks at its borders. In one case, the European Court of Human Rights ruled Greece guilty for the 2014 death of a Syrian man shot at by the coast guard. The 2023 Pylos shipwreck, which claimed over 600 lives, raised further questions about the Greek Coast Guard’s responsibility. Survivors blamed authorities for the tragedy, and human rights groups criticized the lack of accountability.
Living conditions in EU-funded closed refugee camps, such as the one on Samos, were deemed inhumane, with reports of illegal detention-like restrictions and lack of water and healthcare.
Crackdown on Human Rights Defenders
Amnesty reported judicial harassment against human rights defenders. While some NGO workers in Lesvos were acquitted of charges like espionage, others, including Panagiotis Dimitras and Tommy Olsen, continue to face legal threats for assisting asylum seekers.
Use of Excessive Force on Protesters and Journalists
The report documents continued police violence during peaceful protests. In one case, human rights lawyer Anny Paparousou and peaceful demonstrators were detained before a protest. A photojournalist was also injured by a water cannon during a 2021 protest, and the court ruled in his favor in 2023.
Freedom of Expression and SLAPP Lawsuits
Amnesty condemned Greece for failing to implement effective legislation against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP). Journalists continue to face lawsuits aiming to silence investigative reporting.
Privacy Violations and Surveillance
Concerns were raised over illegal surveillance practices. While investigations into the use of Predator spyware found no direct government link, civil society groups expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and accountability.
Gender-Based Violence and LGBTQ+ Rights
The killing of Kyriaki Griva by her ex-partner outside a police station raised questions about police negligence. Amnesty also highlighted legislative gaps following the legalization of same-sex marriage, leaving LGBTQ+ families vulnerable. Trans people face continued systemic discrimination, including in healthcare.
Conscientious Objection and Environmental Concerns
Amnesty noted that Greece still imposes punitive alternative services on conscientious objectors, failing to implement necessary reforms despite international rulings. Additionally, the country was criticized for expanding fossil fuel infrastructure, undermining efforts to tackle climate change.
To view the full report, please click here:
