The Misrepresentation of Greece’s Protests: Unpacking the Disinformation Campaign

Understanding the Protests: A Nation’s Demand for Justice

Recent protests in Greece have been widely misrepresented on social media, with claims suggesting they are anti-migrant demonstrations. However, the reality is far more complex and deeply rooted in a demand for accountability. On February 28, tens of thousands of Greeks gathered in Syntagma Square in Athens and other cities across the country to mark the two-year anniversary of a devastating rail disaster in Tempi, which claimed the lives of 57 people, many of whom were young students. The protests were not about migrants or refugees but were a collective outcry for justice and transparency in the aftermath of the tragic incident.

The demonstrations were accompanied by a nationwide strike, bringing public and private sectors to a standstill. Protesters held banners with powerful messages, such as "Government of murderers,” reflecting widespread anger and frustration. The strike and rallies were organized to demand answers about the incident, which remains unresolved, and to criticize the government’s handling of the investigation. Despite official reports attributing the crash to human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures, victims’ families and opposition figures accuse the government of mishandling the case and failing to implement promised reforms.

The Rail Disaster and Its Aftermath: A Tragedy Unresolved

The 2023 rail crash in Tempi was one of the deadliest in Greece’s history, shocking the nation and sparking outrage. Two years later, the families of the victims are still waiting for justice, as no trial has been held, and critical questions about the incident remain unanswered. The government’s response to the tragedy has been heavily criticized, with allegations of cover-ups and obstruction of justice. A recent poll revealed that 70% of Greeks believe the government is shielding those responsible for the crash, further fueling public distrust.

Central to the controversy is the clearing of the crash site just days after the accident, which many believe destroyed critical evidence. Furthermore, videos released since the incident show a massive explosion following the crash, raising speculation that illegal flammable substances were being carried by one of the trains. A forensic investigator hired by the victims’ families has claimed that 30 of the 57 passengers who perished initially survived the collision but succumbed to the ensuing fire caused by the highly flammable cargo. These revelations have only deepened the sense of outrage and betrayal among Greeks.

The Greek parliament recently established an inquiry committee to investigate whether former Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Christos Triantopoulos obstructed the investigation by ordering the disposal of debris and tampering with the crash site. This move has been seen as a step toward accountability, though many remain skeptical about the government’s willingness to address the issue comprehensively.

Debunking the Disinformation: The Anti-Migrant Narrative

The protests in Greece have been falsely portrayed on social media as anti-migrant demonstrations, part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. A widely circulated video purports to show Greeks protesting against the influx of irregular migrants and refugees. However, Euroverify team’s investigation revealed that the footage actually captures the February 28 protests in Athens, which were entirely unrelated to migration.

The video, which has been viewed over 1.2 million times on X, was amplified by bot-like accounts and spread across multiple languages, including English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish. One of the most prominent posts spreading this misinformation was shared by the account “Radio Europe,” which falsely described the protest as a “massive riot” demanding the resignation of a “globalist treacherous government.” The post also claimed that more than 500 migrants arrive in Greece by boat every day, a claim debunked by data from the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which recorded only 40 arrivals during the week of the protest.

This disinformation campaign serves to manipulate public opinion and divert attention from the real issues at hand—government accountability and systemic failures. By framing the protests as anti-migrant, the campaign aims to exploit xenophobic sentiments and polarize society, undermining the legitimate demands of the Greek people for justice and transparency.

The Spread of Misinformation: A Threat to Public Discourse

The misrepresentation of the protests highlights the dangers of disinformation in shaping public perception and undermining democratic discourse. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for false narratives, often amplified by bot-like accounts and sensationalist outlets. The video of the Greek protests, for instance, was shared in multiple languages, indicating a coordinated effort to spread the misleading content across different regions and audiences.

Radio Europe’s post, which garnered significant traction, is emblematic of this trend. Known for spreading misleading and false information, the account’s claim about the protests being anti-migrant has been widely debunked, yet it continues to circulate online. This underscores the challenges of combating disinformation, particularly in the absence of robust fact-checking mechanisms and social media regulation. The spread of such content not only distorts public understanding of events but also exacerbates divisions and mistrust in institutions.

The Public’s Response: A Call for Accountability

The protests in Greece reflect a broader public demand for accountability and transparency in governance. The AKP government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has faced growing criticism for its handling of the rail disaster and its failure to deliver on promised reforms. The massive turnout at the protests and the widespread participation in the nationwide strike demonstrate the depth of public frustration and disillusionment with the political establishment.

The recent vote of no-confidence in the government, though rejected by parliament, signals the erosion of public trust in the ruling party. The allegations of a cover-up and the perceived mishandling of the investigation have further alienated citizens from the government. For many Greeks, the rail disaster has become a symbol of systemic incompetence and a lack of accountability, fueling demands for meaningful change.

Moving Forward: The Need for Truth and Reforms

As Greece grapples with the aftermath of the rail disaster and the misinformation surrounding the protests, the path forward requires a commitment to truth, accountability, and systemic reforms. The victims’ families deserve justice, and the public deserves answers about the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The government must address the systemic failures that contributed to the crash and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Moreover, the spread of disinformation about the protests underscores the urgent need for fact-based public discourse and stronger mechanisms to counter false narratives. By promoting transparency and accountability, Greece can rebuild trust in its institutions and address the grievances of its citizens. The protests are not just a demand for justice for the victims of the rail disaster but also a call for a more accountable and equitable society.