OSCE media freedom representative expresses concern over Greek journalist case, calls for open trial

ASTANA, 29 October 2012 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, expressed concern today about the arrest and the forthcoming trial of a Greek journalist, Kostas Vaxevanis, charged with violating privacy laws, and called on the authorities to ensure a fair and open trial.

Vaxevanis was arrested on Sunday morning and released several hours later. The detention followed a publication in his weekly magazine, Hot Doc, of the names of 2,000 Greek nationals, including prominent members of Greece’s political and business elite, who allegedly hold accounts in a Swiss bank for tax evasion purposes.

“I am relieved that Vaxenavis was released from custody after a brief detention, and trust that he will now be tried in a transparent manner considering the acute public interest in the case,” Mijatović said.

“I am confident that the Greek courts will find the right path between respecting confidentiality and privacy and at the same time ensuring the public's right to know,” she added.

“It is the responsibility of media as the watchdog of democracy to disclose information in the public interest even if it is considered sensitive by some,” Mijatović said. “OSCE commitments oblige participating States to safeguard and implement society’s right to freely discuss issues of public concern, including corruption or bureaucratic wrongdoing,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović is currently in Astana on an official visit.