Greek newspaper to be denied information from IMF
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission to Greece reacted to a news story published by a journalist of Athens daily newspaper “To Vima.” The IMF demanded the journalist to reveal the source that he got an IMF report from. Journalist Zois Tsolis did not want to reveal his sources. Bob Traa, the Head of IMF in Greece warned the publication that they will be denied information in the future.
“The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO), an affiliate of the international Press Institute (IPI), expresses concern at the reaction of the IMF representative – which appears to be a violation of press freedom,” SEEMO informed in a press release.
According to the statement, the journalist wrote an exclusive report which included figures, on how many civil servants were employed by some Greek ministries in 2010 and 2012, “despite contrary recommendations in the memorandum of understanding that Greece agreed with the the European Union, International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank.” Zois Tsolis said that some 70,000 civil servants were employed by the ministries.
“Multilateral organizations cannot threaten journalists by denying them access to information and demanding the revelation of their sources,” SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said. “The Greek people have to know what is happening in their country, especially at a time of crisis. I hope this will remain an isolated incident and that the IMF representatives will fully respect freedom of expression,” he concluded.
Comments