The Workers’ Union of the Greek Ombudsman’s office has issued a forceful condemnation of recent government attacks on the Independent Authority, following its explosive report on the Pylos shipwreck.
The Ombudsman investigation, released on February 3, uncovered serious omissions in search and rescue efforts by the Hellenic Coast Guard, potential criminal liability, and missing key evidence related to the June 14, 2023, disaster that resulted in the deaths of around 560 people.
The Ministry of Shipping responded aggressively to the report, not only disputing its content but directly challenging the credibility and independence of the Ombudsman. The Workers’ Union has pushed back against what it calls an “unprecedented” attack on the institution’s integrity.
The Workers’ Union argues that the government’s reaction is part of a broader pattern of discrediting independent bodies tasked with oversight. In its statement, the union highlights similar attacks on other watchdog organizations, such as the Hellenic Authority for Communication Security and Privacy, theHellenic Data Protection Authority, and the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection.
“This is not just an attack on the Ombudsman and its employees—it is an attack on every citizen who demands transparency, accountability, and justice,” the Workers’ Union stated. “Instead of taking corrective actions based on the Ombudsman’s findings, the government chooses to target the institution itself, fostering a climate of fear and undermining democratic oversight.”
The Ombudsman’s investigation published Monday found that the Hellenic Coast Guard had failed in its duty to rescue hundreds of people aboard the Adriana fishing vessel. The report also raised concerns about missing evidence, including absent ship master phone data, unrecorded conversations, and faulty patrol vessel footage.
In an unusual response, the Ministry of Shipping released a statement fiercely defending the Coast Guard and accusing the Ombudsman of bias. “Among several versions of the facts of the case, it systematically favors those allegations which call into question the proper exercise of the Coast Guard’s powers, without any credible substantiation,” the Ministry asserted.
However, the Workers’ Union cites these reactions as part of a concerted effort to suppress scrutiny. “The government’s response is not just defensive—it is an outright attack on independent oversight,” the Union said. “In a state governed by the rule of law, independence should be protected and strengthened, not undermined.”
The Workers’ Union has urged political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens to rally in support of the Ombudsman and other independent watchdogs. As a sign of protest, it has called for participation in the nationwide strike organized on February 28, which will also address concerns about the slow progress in investigations into the Tempi train accident.
“Silence in the face of such attacks is tantamount to acceptance,” the Union declared. “This is a fight for democracy, institutional independence, and the protection of fundamental rights.”
