Metropolitan Anthimos’ 30,000 euro lawsuit against Millet Newspaper postponed
The lawsuit filed by Alexandroupoli Metropolitan Anthimos against Millet newspaper for moral damages worth 30,000 Euros has been postponed to April 2, 2025. The case, initially scheduled for November 20, was delayed upon the request of the defendant's lawyers, citing prior engagements in other courts.
Anthimos filed the lawsuit following Millet’s coverage of his controversial remarks criticizing the success of the DEB Party (Party of Friendship, Equality, and Peace) after the European Parliament elections.
Ahmet Kara, a lawyer representing Millet, stated that the case is an attempt to restrict press freedom. “Despite our correction of an error in the report and our offer to publish a jointly prepared statement, the lawsuit shows a lack of legal approach and is merely an effort to suppress media freedom,” he said.
Co-counsel Ioannis Barkas emphasized that the published content adhered to constitutional and European Court of Human Rights standards for freedom of expression. Barkas defended the newspaper’s investigative journalism, asserting it was conducted with respect for laws and journalistic ethics.
The lawsuit stems from a Millet article titled “Implicit Threat from Alexandroupoli Metropolitan to Turkish Minority,” which reported Anthimos' claims that DEB’s electoral success posed a “national threat.” Anthimos criticized Greece’s integration policies, arguing they failed to assimilate the Turkish minority and suggesting a reassessment of national approaches.
