On 7 March 2025, police officers unjustifiably detained journalist Marina Meidani while she was covering a student protest in Thessaloniki concerning the Tempi tragedy, an event for which the public has a legitimate interest in being informed.
The Union of Journalists of Macedonia–Thrace (ESIEM-TH) condemned this act of police arbitrariness in a statement, noting that the journalist was detained despite showing her press card and despite clear instructions from police leadership that no journalist should be detained for identity checks.
The Union concluded that the incident, combined with other acts of unprovoked tension against journalists during the same event, constitutes yet another example of police arbitrariness with direct consequences for the unhindered exercise of journalistic work. ESIEM-TH calls on the Hellenic Police to take all possible measures to prevent such actions in the future.
In a state governed by the rule of law, where individual rights and specifically press freedom are protected, journalists have the right to exercise their profession freely and independently, without censorship and without disproportionate or unjustified restrictions, in order to ensure comprehensive public information on matters of major public interest.
Despite the constitutional guarantee of press freedom under Article 14(2), in this case—and according to ESIEM-TH—the police authorities not only failed to facilitate the work of a journalist but in detaining them, instead obstructed coverage of an issue of public interest for which society has a right to be informed.
Bank Account number: 1100 0232 0016 560
IBAN: GR56 0140 1100 1100 0232 0016 560
BIC: CRBAGRAA
In a time where the very foundations of democracy are gradually being eroded by the rise of extreme nationalism, alt-right movements, the spread of disinformation and corporate capture, the efforts of organisations such as Vouliwatch are more relevant than ever.
We rely on the generosity of each and every one of you to continue with our efforts for more transparency and accounta
By financially supporting Vouliwatch you support our litigation strategy, our campaigns for transparency and accountability in the political system, the development of new civic tech tools, our research projects and last but not least our impartial and accurate
