What we have been witnessing unfold in the public sphere in recent days, regarding the forced dismissal of the Director of Tourism of KOAN, could be described as tragicomic—if it weren’t so deeply undemocratic and extremely dangerous to be considered “normal.”
The governing party’s sense of ownership, expressed through its local representatives, shows boundless audacity, completely detached from any logic or democratic procedure. Their attitude toward the functioning of local government bodies and legal entities clearly indicates that they consider them their personal fiefdoms.
Their intolerance for any opposing viewpoint is so extreme that they do not hesitate to demand the metaphorical “head on a platter” of those serving in these positions—simply because they dare to express themselves freely.
It is profoundly disappointing that local government is participating in serving such backward logic, all in the name of preserving so-called “balance.” This is a slippery slope toward undemocratic deviation, leading to even darker paths.
For a social media post, which was essentially taken down, disciplinary tactics are being used with the ultimate aim of enforcing widespread silence on what is happening in the country.
Freedom of speech must not be put on trial under any circumstances, and in a democracy, free expression must never be subject to punishment.
Press Office
Regional Committee of Northern Dodecanese
