Reporters without Borders calls on gov’t spokesman to retract SLAPP threats against journalist

The international non-governmental organization that aims at defending journalists, Reporters Without Borders, has called on Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis to retract remarks against journalist Chris Avramidis.

In the incident that was live transmitted during the press briefing on Monday, Marinakis threatened Avramidis with legal actions (SLAPP* lawsuit in journalists’ language) on the occasion of the journalist’s question about the tragedy with migrants off Chios that left 15 people dead and injured 25.

In a statement, Reporters Without Borders condemned the attack launched by government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis against journalist Christos Avramidis, as well as the threats to file lawsuits, following the latter’s question about the shipwreck in Chios.

On a post on X, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) noted:

#Grèce: le porte-parole du gouvernement @pavlmarin a menacé le journaliste @chris_avramidisde de poursuites judiciaires pour avoir posé des questions légitimes sur une tragédie en mer. RSF l'appelle à retirer ces propos, une tentative d'intimidation indigne d'une démocratie. pic.twitter.com/HP5YTN5Ecc

— RSF (@RSF_inter) February 10, 2026

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis (@pavlmarin) threatened journalist Christos Avramidis (@chris_avramidisde) with legal action for raising reasonable questions about a maritime tragedy. RSF calls on him to retract these statements, which constitute an attempt at intimidation unworthy of a democracy.

It is recalled that Reporters Without Borders publishes the world press freedom ranking annually, in which Greece was ranked 89th in 2025, the last place among European Union countries.

Marinakis’ attack on Avramidis

It is noted that the journalist asked the government spokesman whether the Coast Guard had carried out an operation to rescue or prevent the migrants who lost their lives in the shipwreck in Chios.

Pavlos Marinakis replied that “the mission of the Coast Guard is to protect the borders and prevent, in accordance with the provisions of the law and without endangering human life, the illegal entry of persons who do not have the relevant right”. He also added that “when such an operation is carried out, the duty of the Coast Guard is, to the extent possible and often beyond its human limits, to save human lives”.

The journalist returned, pointing out that since the boat was already in Greek territorial waters, the only legal action under International Law was rescue, as deterrence is not a legal option.

“Since that was not done, we ended up with 15 dead. Did you just admit that the operation was deterrence?” he said. The government spokesman then proceeded to personally attack the journalist and threatened him with a SLAPP lawsuit. [via tvxs.gr]

*Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
(SLAPPs) are malicious, baseless legal actions filed by powerful individuals or corporations to silence critics, journalists, and activists. These lawsuits aim to intimidate, exhaust financial resources, and create a chilling effect on public debate, rather than achieve a legitimate legal victory.