Washington Post: Prime Minister called out for media and censorship

He probably didn't feel very comfortable either Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his interview with Lally Weymouth of Washington Post, and this reporter also made sure to ask the prime minister… direct questions.

This time, the focus was not on illegal pushbacks, as had been the case a few days earlier with the Dutch journalist, but on the provision recently passed by Parliament regarding the fake news and the media.

It should be noted that this specific provision of the new Penal Code has sparked a barrage of reactions both within and outside the country, with serious protests alleging an attempt to muzzle journalism; yet the government has not backed down one bit.

The American journalist from the Washington Post, however, called out the prime minister, describing this legislation as a mistake and speaking about The government's attack on the media.

Notably, the dialogue as it is published in the Washington Post

• Q: The Greek Parliament recently passed a law that makes the publication of fake news a criminal offense and holds both the media outlet’s owner and the journalist liable
• Re: We have tried to limit what can be published so that fake news stories—especially those related to public health—do not receive widespread coverage.
• Q: I think that would be a mistake. Why do you need to attack the media?;
• Re: What we do is quite systematic and very reliable.
• Q: Why don't you just do it?;
• From.: You’re such an experienced journalist; I’ll give your opinion serious consideration
• Q: You’re a very successful prime minister. Why would you do that? You, more than anyone else, should be used to the media. You’ve been a public figure for years; it’s a slippery slope.
• Re: I’ve been attacked myself; it’s not about me—it’s about… public health. On the other hand, one could argue that these stories are already on the Internet, and no one can censor the Internet.
• Q: I disagree with anti-vaxxers, but I wouldn't censor them
• Re: I accept your comment. As for the anti-vaxxers, What we're doing is making life difficult for those who don't want to get vaccinated. We don't make vaccinations mandatory, and we don't impose lockdowns on them.