On November 10, 2023, the Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA) issued a statement condemning the arrest of journalist Petros Kousoulos during his coverage of a criminal trial, following a complaint filed by the defendant in the case.
The Union also reiterated its condemnation of the application of Article 417 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to press related offences. According to this provision, the perpetrator of any misdemeanour may be arrested within 48 hours of the act.
The Union argues that the phenomenon of issuing arrest warrants for journalists under this provision is anachronistic and contrary to press freedom, and has been denounced by both the European and the International Federation of Journalists.
Where is the problem with the rule of law? In a state governed by the rule of law, where individual rights are protected, as well as the freedom of the press, journalists have the right to freely and independently exercise their profession, free from censorship and influence.
Despite the guarantee of the freedom of the press under Article 14 of the Constitution, in this case, the journalists’ union denounces the arrest of a journalist for press related offences as contrary to the freedom of expression and of the press.
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