The wiretapping scandal in Greece, often dubbed the 'Greek Watergate,' is entering a decisive new phase. Eight citizens—including politicians, journalists, and business executives—have filed lawsuits before the Multi-Member Court of First Instance of Athens. They are seeking millions of euros in damages for the moral harm suffered due to the use of the illegal Predator spyware and concurrent 'lawful' interceptions by the National Intelligence Service (EYP).
The Legal Strategy and the Defendants
The lawsuits are directed not only at the Greek State but also at the private entities involved in the trade and operation of Predator software within Greece, most notably Intellexa. The plaintiffs argue that there was a coordinated surveillance operation that violated fundamental constitutional rights, such as the secrecy of communications and the protection of personal data. The legal basis for the claim rests on the tortious liability of the state and private actors, as well as the failure of oversight authorities to protect citizens from executive overreach.
According to the legal filings, the victims describe a nightmarish reality where their private moments, professional contacts, and political activities were an 'open book' for the software operators. The use of Predator, a tool that transforms a mobile phone into a 24/7 spy, is viewed by the victims' legal representatives as one of the most brutal assaults on human dignity in modern Greek history.
Institutional Deficits and International Outcry
This move by the eight victims comes at a time when the Greek judiciary is facing intense scrutiny regarding the speed and depth of its investigations. While the Supreme Court Prosecutor recently concluded that there was no involvement of state services with Predator—attributing the overlaps in surveillance to 'coincidental events'—the victims and their counsel insist that the evidence suggests otherwise. Resorting to civil courts represents an attempt to highlight responsibilities that the criminal process appears to have bypassed.
On a European level, the European Parliament's PEGA committee has already issued stern recommendations to Greece, calling for full transparency and the strengthening of institutional checks and balances. The case has tarnished the country's image in international Rule of Law reports, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders consistently expressing concern over the safety of journalists investigating the matter.
"The claim for compensation is not merely a financial demand; it is an act of resistance against opacity and the dismantling of privacy," stated one of the legal representatives.
Implications for Democracy and the Future
The outcome of these lawsuits will serve as a precedent for how the Greek legal system handles digital espionage. If the courts award the requested damages, it will send a powerful message that state impunity and the unchecked activities of private spyware firms cannot go unpunished. Furthermore, the civil process is expected to bring new evidence to light during the discovery phase, as plaintiffs have the right to request the production of documents and the testimony of individuals who have so far remained in the shadows.
The stakes are enormous: public trust in institutions. In an era where technology evolves faster than legislation, protecting the individual from the omnipotence of surveillance mechanisms is becoming the new battlefield for human rights. The eight plaintiffs are not just seeking money; they are seeking the restoration of institutional normalcy in a country still trying to heal the wounds of this dark chapter.
- Lawsuits were filed against the State and Intellexa.
- Plaintiffs include high-profile journalists and political figures.
- The claims focus on moral damages from privacy breaches.
- The case remains under the scrutiny of European institutions.
