29 July 2024 – The European Fact-Checking Standards Network condemns the recent threats made against one of our member organisations, Ellinika Hoaxes, in Greece. Kyriakos Velopoulos, a member of Parliament and leader of the Greek Solution party, has declared his intention to close down Ellinika Hoaxes in an address to the Greek Parliament and has announced that he will introduce legislation to that effect. This attempt to intimidate and silence fact-checkers is unacceptable and all those concerned with freedom of speech should join us in condemning it.
The right to free speech and a free press are cornerstones of democracy. Fact-checking organisations play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of information, ensuring that the public has access to accurate and verified information. Efforts to intimidate fact-checkers are an affront to these principles. It is especially alarming that these threats come from an elected official, an individual entrusted with the responsibility to protect and promote democratic values. This escalation of incidents against fact-checkers must be addressed promptly, especially as his author has since doubled down on his threats.
Ellinika Hoaxes is a valued member of the fact-checking community that operates under strict standards of independence. We stand with our colleagues in their commitment to continue doing their job under these difficult circumstances, and will continue to support them in promoting truth and accountability.
