Justice observatory warns Greece over rule of law concerns
Published on March 12, 2026, the report evaluates Greece’s compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights and highlights persistent issues related to fundamental rights, judicial delays, and the treatment of migrants.
Long Judicial Processes and Rights Violations
The report notes that several structural problems continue to affect the Greek justice system. Among the most prominent concerns are:
- Excessively long judicial proceedings
- Violations of the presumption of innocence
- Allegations regarding the treatment of migrants
According to the findings, in 2025 Greece was condemned 19 times by the European Court of Human Rights, with the right to a fair trial being the most frequently violated right.
The report also states that around 2,500 cases against Greece remain pending before the court, placing the country sixth among states with the highest number of cases before the Strasbourg-based court.
Reaction from Western Thrace Turkish Federation
Commenting on the report, Halit Habipoglu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe, said the findings underline the urgent need for institutional reforms to strengthen the rule of law in Greece.
Habipoğlu argued that recent controversies—including illegal wiretapping allegations and the Tempi train crash—have significantly eroded public trust in the government and the independence of the judiciary.
He further criticized the Greek government for allegedly failing to implement rulings of the European Court of Human Rights concerning associations of the Western Thrace Turkish community, referring specifically to the Bekir Usta and Others case group, which he said has remained unimplemented for 18 years.
Habipoğlu called on the government to heed the warnings and recommendations of independent institutions and the European Union, and to take immediate steps to safeguard judicial independence and strengthen the rule of law.
