Human Rights Watch publishes 2025 world report on human rights
The prominent human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released its 2025 World Report, evaluating global human rights developments throughout 2024. The report’s section on Greece highlights issues related to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights violations caused by state actions.
Media Freedom
The report cites the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) index, noting that Greece continues to rank last among European Union countries in terms of press freedom. This ranking reflects state surveillance, malicious lawsuits, government interference, and smear campaigns targeting journalists, creating a hostile environment for the media.
Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
HRW emphasized increased pressure on civil society in Greece, with human rights defenders facing harassment, smear campaigns, and legal prosecutions. The Hellenic National Human Rights Commission warned of a climate of fear in the country due to these actions. Specifically, Panayotis Dimitras from the Greek Helsinki Monitor and Tommy Olsen from Aegean Boat Report were prosecuted for exposing human rights violations at Greece’s borders. Dimitras continues to face a travel ban.
Racism and Inequality
The report refers to data from the Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN), highlighting a sharp rise in incidents of racist violence in Greece in 2023.
Statement from the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF)
Halit Habipoğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), commented on the HRW report:
“This report clearly outlines the persistent issues in Greece regarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Numerous human rights organizations have documented the unjust investigations, prosecutions, and smear campaigns against human rights defenders, creating significant concerns in civil society. The Turkish minority of Western Thrace faces similar challenges in this alarming environment. Our federation has also been targeted by smear campaigns through false reporting, and we continue our legal battle in response. Our country is drifting further away from being a free, democratic state governed by the rule of law. We urge both Greece and international organizations to take the findings of these reports seriously and take necessary action.”
The release of this report by Human Rights Watch may lead to greater international scrutiny of Greece’s human rights record.
