(GHM/IFEX) – On 7 March 1999, the Chief Prosecutor of the First Instance Court of Athens, G. Koliokostas, brought criminal charges for disclosure of state secrets against all those responsible for the publication in the country’s largest daily newspaper “Ta Nea” of a top secret report. The report was written by Greek Ambassador to Kenya […]
(GHM/IFEX) – On 7 March 1999, the Chief Prosecutor of the First Instance
Court of Athens, G. Koliokostas, brought criminal charges for disclosure
of state secrets against all those responsible for the publication in
the country’s largest daily newspaper “Ta Nea” of a top secret report.
The report was written by Greek Ambassador to Kenya G. Kostoulas and
covered the events that contributed to Ocalan’s capture by Turkey.
The indictment stated that the publication of that report was an
“illegal act,” as it included “information which the interest of the
state required to be kept secret from foreign governments.” The editor
of the newspaper is therefore expected to be among those who will face
these charges.
It is the fifth time in the last two years that courts bring charges
against journalists for “disclosure of state secrets,” a violation of
freedom of expression that has been denounced by many Greek and
international organisations.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Minister of Press and Information:
against journalists be immediatley dropped
societies is the uninhibited flow of information
Rights stipulates that “everyone has the right…to share and discuss
information and ideas.”
Appeals To
Mr. Dimitris Reppas
Minister of Press and Information
Athens, Greece
Fax: +301 3606969
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
