SIR: National Media Report – Greece

In the trial phase, the principle, the respect for private and family life, the right to the integrity of the person1 and the presumption of innocence of the accused2 apply. "All persons accused of offenses are presumed to be innocent until the legal provenance of their guilt". It is, therefore, necessary to respect the personality of the accused and the name, image or data of his or her private life is forbidden to be published.
The principle of publicity3 applies during the main proceedings or during the hearing. Especially in case of serious crimes, giving information to the public is prior to the interest of the offender. However, the same legal frame of the principle of publicity4 provides for the possibility of the proceedings in closed doors if the court considers by a decision that there are special grounds for the protection of the private or family life of the parties. The public character of the trial can be hindered only in order to protect public morals or the personal or family life of the parties5. In this case, there is no interest in third-party being informed of events which are not linked to the crime.