The statement warns that a negative outcome in this case could set a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door to further legal actions aimed at silencing journalists and citizens who investigate or speak out on matters of public interest.

Full statement:

“On September 19, 2024, the appeal will be heard against the first-instance decision that partially accepted the lawsuit filed by Hellas Gold executive Efstathios Lialias against the cooperative media outlet Alterthess and journalist Stavroula Poulemeni.

This lawsuit is a clear example of SLAPP tactics, designed to intimidate and suppress the publication of critical information regarding the activities of a multinational corporation. A negative ruling could pave the way for an industry of similar legal actions against journalists and citizens.

We, the undersigned cooperative and independent media, express our full support for Alterthess and journalist Stavroula Poulemeni.”

Signatories:

  • Sto Nisi
  • typos-i.gr
  • Infolibre – Collab for Independent Information and Communication
  • OmniaTV
  • The Press Project

Background of the case:

As Alterthess explains, the lawsuit stems from a 2020 court report written by Poulemeni, which covered the criminal conviction of two Hellas Gold executives for environmental violations in northeast Halkidiki. The violations, confirmed by Greece’s Mines Inspectorate, involved environmental degradation linked to the company’s operations.

In October 2021, one of the executives, Efstathios Lialias, filed a lawsuit demanding €100,000 in damages, claiming defamation and a violation of personal data rights due to the publication of his full name and professional position. Although a higher court overturned the executives’ convictions in May 2022, the first-instance court in May 2022 partially upheld Lialias’ lawsuit. It ruled that the publication of his name constituted unlawful processing of personal data, and awarded him €3,000 for moral damages.

The decision has raised concerns about press freedom, as it suggested that reporting on public figures in the context of legal proceedings could require their express consent. This, media outlets argue, undermines the public’s right to know about matters of significant public interest.

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