The media outlet is calling on journalists, environmental activists, and supporters of independent press to gather in solidarity outside the Athens Court of Appeal, where the hearing is scheduled to take place. A press conference will also be held on the same day.

The case against Alterthess

The lawsuit was initiated by Lialios in October 2021 after news outlet Alterthess published a report that named him in connection with a first-instance criminal conviction against Hellenic Gold executives. The executives had been convicted of environmental violations in northeastern Halkidiki, where gold mining operations have long been a source of controversy due to the degradation of local ecosystems.

Lialiou sought €100,000 in damages, claiming that the publication defamed him and violated his personal data by including his name and professional role. Although the conviction of the executives was later overturned by a higher court in 2022, the initial report by Alterthess documented a public court ruling that held significant public interest.

SLAPP lawsuit and freedom of the press

In May 2022, the first-instance court partially accepted Lialios’s lawsuit, awarding him €3,000 in damages. The court ruled that the journalist had violated Lialios’s privacy by publishing his name without consent, claiming that public interest could have been served without disclosing his identity. Alterthess condemned the decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom, especially in cases involving matters of public concern. The outlet stressed that journalistic reporting on public figures and corporate activities should not be constrained by such rulings, which risk undermining transparency and public accountability.

“This is a decision that threatens freedom of expression,” Alterthess said, adding that the report covered issues of public interest, such as environmental damage caused by corporate activity, which should be open to scrutiny. The outlet highlighted that naming those responsible is vital for public oversight, particularly when it involves companies like Hellenic Gold, whose mining operations have had far-reaching environmental and social consequences.

Wider implications and international concern

The case has drawn criticism from journalistic associations, human rights organisations, and political figures. They warn that a negative ruling could encourage further SLAPP lawsuits designed to silence journalists, activists, and citizens who speak out on matters of public interest. SLAPP suits, which are increasingly used by powerful individuals and corporations to stifle criticism, exploit the imbalance of power between wealthy plaintiffs and defendants, who often lack the resources to fight prolonged legal battles.

The lawsuit against Alterthess comes at a time when press freedom in Greece is under heightened scrutiny. The country has been ranked among the lowest in the European Union for press freedom, with multiple cases of intimidation against journalists, including the murder of investigative reporter Giorgos Karaivaz, and ongoing attempts by the government to control media narratives.

In February 2024, the European Parliament approved a directive aimed at protecting journalists and organisations from unfounded and abusive lawsuits, but Greece has yet to incorporate these protections into national law. The absence of such safeguards leaves independent media vulnerable to legal harassment, contributing to a broader decline in press freedom and the rule of law.

Call for solidarity

Alterthess has urged the public to stand with them on September 19 as they appeal the court’s decision. “Our goal is the vindication of independent media and, by extension, free journalism,” the outlet stated, adding that the case represents a broader struggle to preserve the right to report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal.

“We call on the journalistic community and all those who value independent information, environmental protection, and democracy to show their support at the Court of Appeal,” Alterthess said, warning that the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the freedom of the press in Greece.

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