Ever since the bottom dropped out of the Greek economy life has become increasingly difficult. The Troika (The European Commission, The European Central Bank, and the IMF) demanded that the Government impose an austerity budget in exchange for bailout money. The cuts have racked every corner of Greek society and have led to major up ticks of unemployment, homelessness, addiction, a public health crisis and the recurrence of fascism in the form of the neo Nazi Golden Dawn Party.

Against this back drop the Greek government in its infinite wisdom has decided to dissolve the state radio and television corporation Ellinikí Radiofonía Tileórasi  (Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation) a.k.a. ERT. On the 11th of June 2013 all transmissions were summarily shut off and all of the employees fired. This action is in violation of both Greek law, passed in 1987, which requires that a public broadcaster be in place for the benefit of both the Greek people and the diaspora. It is also a violation of the E.U. Charter of Fundamental rights, which holds that the all member states must guarantee that all Europeans have the right to freely reported independent news and information. In addition it seems that prior to the summery shutdown government officials had been issuing political directives to the staff and sanctioning police and judicial harassment of working journalists.

 

Sign this petition to demand that the Samaras government reinstate the ERT and that the government takes a strong stand against the harassment of journalists. True democracy is only possible if people are able to engage in the political process as informed citizens.