New Left: Targeting human rights defenders is a shame for democracy

The New Left has sharply criticized Migration Minister Thanos Plevris and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, accusing the government of sliding into authoritarian practices and legitimizing far-right rhetoric.

The controversy erupted after Minister Plevris announced plans to conduct audits of more than 100 humanitarian NGOs, which he linked to their work in defending refugee rights. His remarks drew strong reactions, including from Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, who expressed concern and urged the Greek government not to intimidate but to support those working to protect human dignity.

In a statement, the New Left condemned Plevris’ threats, calling them “a dangerous drift into authoritarian practices.” The party stressed that the audits were not about accountability but “a clear act of retaliation against those who stand by the most vulnerable.”

According to efsyn, the criticism intensified after Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis came out in support of Plevris, declaring himself “proud” of his colleague’s remarks. The New Left argued that Georgiadis’ comments were “even more troubling,” noting that he not only defended Plevris but went as far as to call the UN rapporteur’s criticism an “honor.”

“With statements describing migration as a global criminal enterprise and dismissing humanitarianism as irrelevant, Mr. Georgiadis legitimizes far-right discourse, undermines the UN, and seeks to turn hate rhetoric into official state policy,” the New Left charged. “This is not the stance of a minister in a democratic country; it is a dangerous derailment that tarnishes Greece internationally.”

The party underlined its unwavering support for lawyers, human rights organizations, and aid workers who continue defending refugees and migrants despite mounting threats. “We defend the right to justice, the freedom of assembly, and democracy itself,” the statement read. “The Mitsotakis government is following the path of Greek Trumpism: criminalizing solidarity, persecuting human rights defenders, and building a regime of fear. Society must raise its voice in resistance against this authoritarian slide.”