EIN concerned about charges against the Greek Helsinki Monitor

EIN expresses concern about the charges and upcoming trial brought by the Greek authorities against Mr. Panayote Dimitras and Ms. Andrea Gilbert, the leaders of the Greek Helsinki Monitor, which is an EIN member. 

In 2017, GHM filed a complaint against the Bishop Seraphim of Piraeus for public incitement to violence or hatred, as well as abuse of an ecclesiastical office, with respect to the pubic statements the Bishop made on 27 April 2017. According to GHM’s complaint, the Bishop's statements were antisemitic, inciting discrimination, hatred or violence against Jewish people in a way that endangered public order or posed a threat to lives, liberty or physical integrity.

The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece had also criticised the Bishop's public statements. However, GHM's complaint was archived, whilst the prosecution initiated charges against Mr. Dimitras and Ms. Gilbert for false accusations.

On 15 February 2022, they are expected to stand trial.

These proceedings are of great concern for EIN, raising important questions about the use of sanctions to punish and silence legitimate human rights work.