He argued that referring to the legal remedies available under the law does not amount to a threat. ‘Once again I will not use this possibility of mine, which I have intact every time, like everyone else,’ he said, stressing that recourse to justice is an institutional right of every citizen.

Marinakis maintained that, in the exchange in question, there was neither a threat nor a genuine question. Instead, he claimed, a conclusion had been framed ‘in the guise of a question’. Referring to the shipwreck off Chios, he said there is a difference between directly asking whether a deterrence operation was carried out and asserting that ‘you just admitted’ something that, according to him, had not been stated. Such a practice, he added, could amount to slander or the dissemination of false news.

He also criticised the opposition, singling out SYRIZA, accusing its officials of selective sensitivity and recalling cases in which he claimed they had taken legal action against journalists in the past. At the same time, he attacked organisations and media outlets that reacted to the incident, alleging that they do not adopt the same stance in other cases.

It is recalled that Marinakis publicly warned Avramidis of a potential SLAPP lawsuit during the political editors’ briefing, after the journalist asked about the handling by the Port Authority of the deadly shipwreck off Chios.

Reporters Without Borders subsequently called on Marinakis to withdraw the warning against Avramidis, following the question concerning the authorities’ response to the Chios shipwreck.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.