Changes In Greek Censorship Laws

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31678, 14 May 1968, Page 5

Changes In Greek Censorship Laws

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright)

ATHENS, May 13.

Greek newspaper owners and editors are today trying to adjust themselves to changes in the country’s tough censorship laws, which tend to throw responsibility for what appears in print on individual newspapers.

One of the 'first things the Army-backed Government did after it seized power on April 21, 1967, was to impose a blanket censorship on all newspapers and magazines. No story could be printed.

no photograph published, unless it had been passed by the censor, and editors had virtually no responsibility for what appeared in their newspapers.

An indication that this situation might be altered first came five days ago, when it was announced that the Prime Minister (Mr George Papadopoulos) was assuming direct responsibility for press and information matters.

This was followed by the announcement that the Athens newspaper, “Eleftheros Cosmos,” would no longer be subject to censorship, because its owners and editors had agreed to official Government policy.

It was also announced that newspapers would no longer have to print the full text of Government statements, but that page proofs would still have to be submitted to the censor.

The Athens news agency reports that about 150 magazines and periodicals are now also free from censorship on similar conditions.

e The owner of a chain of j Greek newspapers said he pre--1 ferred to be under the direct i supervision of the censor 1 rather than run the risk of printing a story which would I offend the authorities.