The Board of the Journalists' Union of the Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA) has expressed its strong concern regarding the reasoning put forward by the National Council for Radio and Television (ESR) that issued the fine against Mega TV.

The Union’s expressed concern follows an appeal by former Secretary-General of the PM Grigoris Dimitriadis. As a result of this appeal, the ESR decided to impose a fine on the TV station “MEGA.” The fine was issued for broadcasting reports and information that were derived from journalistic investigations conducted by other media outlets.

ESIEA’s statement :

“The reasoning behind this decision raises concerns that TV stations could be forced to present present lengthy documents within the very limited time available on air. It is also puzzling that in the 86 pages of the decision’s rationale, the independent ESR authority attempts to get into the details of a case that has never been heard in court. Meanwhile, the judiciary is handling the many SLAPP lawsuits Grigoris Dimitriadis has filed against journalists, with the first court ruling already rejecting his claims.”

“ESIEA has supported and continues to support journalists facing SLAPP lawsuits, and highlights the potential danger of such reasoning being used in ongoing trials,” it concludes.

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