Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis criticized the decision to summon journalist Sofia Giannaka before the Journalists’ Union of Athens (ESIEA) disciplinary board over an opinion article, asserting the state’s duty to protect journalistic freedom.
In a social media post, Mr. Marinakis condemned the move, stating that while misinformation and personal attacks are prevalent, some are targeting a journalist for expressing her views.
He reaffirmed that press freedom is protected in Greece and that journalists must be allowed to voice opinions, provided they avoid slander or extreme rhetoric, regardless of whether those opinions align with mainstream views.
Ms. Giannaka was summoned via email to explain an article she wrote on February 13, 2025, titled "Maria Karystianou, Maybe She’s Gone Too Far" for iefimerida.gr. ESIEA cited her article’s alleged failure to acknowledge “the broader societal demand for justice and a mother’s struggle for the punishment of those responsible” as the reason for the summons.
In a follow-up article, "Summoned to Disciplinary Board for ‘Touching’ Karystianou," Ms. Giannaka described the case as an attempt to silence critical voices.
The incident has ignited a broader debate on journalistic independence and the boundaries of opinion writing in Greece.