EP concerned about "very serious" threats to EU values in Greece
The resolution, adopted by 330 votes in favour, 254 against and 35 abstentions, stated that "deep concern was expressed about serious threats to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights" in Greece.
The resolution noted that journalists in the country face physical threats, verbal attacks by politicians, privacy violations caused by spyware and legal proceedings initiated through names close to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and noted that there are concerns about press freedom.
In the resolution, which referred to the use of spyware against opposition figures in the country, it was stated that "the abuse of 'national security threats' for the purpose of monitoring political opponents, including MEPs, is condemned" and called for comprehensive investigations with the help of the European Police Organisation (Europol).
The resolution argued that legislation placing the intelligence service under the direct control of the prime minister should be cancelled and referred to allegations of "political pressure, intimidation and harassment" against officials overseeing the government.
Allegations of "excessive force, ill-treatment and systematic pushing back"
The resolution, which also included allegations of "excessive use of force" by the police in the country, pointed to "inadequate investigations and court decisions, allegations of corruption, lengthy judicial processes and conflicts of interest, including the infiltration of the police by organised crime organisations".
The resolution noted that "ill-treatment and systematic pushbacks against migrants, as well as attacks on civil society and smear campaigns against human rights activists" were of concern.
In the framework of the resolution, MEPs called on the EU Commission to "fully utilise" the existing mechanisms to address the violation of EU values in Greece.
The EP's decisions are recommendations or appeals to member states and are not legally binding for member states.
