On 19 June 2025, the Journalists’ Union of Macedonia–Thrace (ESIEM‑TH) issued a detailed statement condemning the actions of Skydra Mayor Katerina Ignatiadou, “which undermine the professional standing of journalist and Union member Stefanos Mintzas and target him for his journalistic work.”
According to the Union, as evidenced by audiovisual material submitted to ESIEM‑TH, the Mayor used derogatory characterisations about the journalist during a meeting of the Skydra Municipal Council, comments which devalued his journalistic work.
The Union added: “Journalistic work is not above criticism; however, such criticism must be expressed calmly, without personal attacks, and without conflating the journalist with the media outlet they work for.”
ESIEM‑TH further stressed that “the Mayor of Skydra, given her institutional role, must ensure that any defence of her positions regarding the subject of the journalistic investigation that prompted her reaction does not include statements that harm the professional standing of the journalist.”
Under the rule of law, where individual rights, including freedom of the press, are protected, journalists must be able to carry out their work freely and independently, without censorship and without disproportionate or unjustified restrictions. Their role is to inform the public comprehensively on matters of significant public interest.
Although press freedom is guaranteed under Article 14(2) of the Greek Constitution, in this case, a public official allegedly used derogatory and demeaning language to a journalist in the context of his professional activity.
Such conduct risks undermining press freedom by creating a hostile environment for journalists and discouraging scrutiny of public authorities.
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