Kostas Vaxevanis
(Investigative Journalist)
Copyright: http://www.darkernet.in
The Greek journalist Kostas Vaxevanis, who published the Greek section of the Lagarde list (names and details of Greeks with secret Swiss bank accounts – many of whom are politicians and leading business people) was recently awarded the prestigious Freedom of Expression award from Index on Censorship.
Below, we present his acceptance speech in London in which he warns of the dangers to democracy in Greece.
Note that Vaxevanis was also honoured with the first International Journalism Award, ‘Julio Anguita Parado’, “for his courageous and independent struggle against the corruption at the heart of Europe.” They singled out his work and courage in speaking out, and fighting censorship and injustice within the framework of both personal and professional vulnerability in a period of serious economic and social tensions in Greece and Europe. Last year Vaxevanis was acquitted of charges of violating the privacy of the account holders but the government, unsatisfied with the verdict, is going to re-try him on the same charges as there is no double jeopardy law in Greece........ Read more