Athens News carries an interesting Article today covering a radio interview the Greek justice minister has given on Athens Radio “in essence, certain individuals wish to disrupt the country’s democratic development; the stabilisation of the economy. They are criminals to say the least.”
This is a very worrying statement. The Greek justice minister finds it acceptable to pass judgement on people’s innocence or guilt without due legal process.
What is also worrying is that the actions he deems to be criminal are extremely vague. disrupt the country’s democratic development; the stabilisation of the economy
He continues “they did not show consideration for Greece’s tourism. Most of all, they did not respect the country’s image. The picture of Greece sent abroad is not doing justice to the country. The picture created by certain taxi owners is not reflective of Greece.” – to me, this sounds like something that comes from North Korea. In effect he is saying “People cannot voice dissent because it tarnishes the country’s image.”
He then goes on the condemn any violence protests which of course I and I think most people would agree with wholeheartedly.
But as I understand it, any violent acts by the taxi drivers have been extremely rare (and of course unacceptable) and should not detract from the purpose of their peaceful protests.
Personally I find it extremely unprofessional that a politician would voice his opinion and give judgement regarding a matter that is still under investigation by his own department.
A more appropriate response would be that “any alleged criminal actions carried out during the strike will be investigated and prosecuted according to the law”.
In the same issue of Athens News the Greek justice minister has continued making extremely worrying statements regarding freedom of the internet.
It seems to be a theme with the Greek justice minister to make sweeping statements with regards to people’s innocence, guilt, freedoms while being extremely vague with regards to what activities he sees as justifying the measures he proposes.
The article gives a very good example, he is quoted as saying “the internet will cease to be the host ‘hood-wearing’ individuals”.
First of all what does he mean “the internet will cease to be the host” and second who does he class as “hood wearing individuals”. He seem to be implying that certain people will be restricted from voicing their opinions but is extremely vague with regards to who will be targeted. Again, for me the comments are extremely worrying and unproffesional.
The article goes on “Electronic crime should be combated without undermining the freedom of speech and opinion,” the justice minister stressed and told MPs that a law preparatory committee will be set up immediately chaired by Council of State vice-president Athanassios Rantos. The committee will focus on the identification of blog providers and internet service users and on expanding the list of crimes for the investigation of which disclosure of confidential communication is allowed. – this is a common ploy used by governments around the world. ie treating the internet as if it is something different from any other print media and as if it is something that should be treated differently to the print media, which of course it should not be.
All the laws that are applicable to the print media are applicable to the internet. All the laws already exist regarding defamation of character, slander and so on. New laws are not required.
Let me say that again, the internet requires NO special laws. All the laws that are applicable to print media are applicable to the internet.
The most common issue raised in Greece at least, seems to be that it is not public knowledge who owns what domain. As I have said before, this is a government regulation and to my knowledge Greece is the only country in the world that keeps domain registration details confidential. If the Greek government wants to make domain registration details public I am sure they can easily and with minimal protest. This issue can be dealt with not by more laws but by less laws.
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