**Defamation Not Protected Speech, Says Cleanthous**
Costas Cleanthous, a prominent businessman and publisher of the newspaper Phileleftheros, has recently addressed the critical issue of defamation in the context of freedom of expression. In a statement published in his newspaper, Cleanthous emphasized that while freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democratic society, it should not be misused to justify defamatory statements or misinformation.
In his remarks, Cleanthous outlined the detrimental effects of misinformation, asserting that it not only harms the individuals who are targeted but also undermines public trust in institutions and poisons the quality of public discourse. He stated, “Freedom of expression is the foundation of democratic society. But it cannot be transformed into an excuse for slander, the spread of false claims or the public condemning of people without evidence.”
Cleanthous highlighted the responsibility that comes with being in the public eye, suggesting that those who hold public positions must be ready to face scrutiny. However, he distinguished between legitimate criticism and the dangers posed by slanderous claims that are presented as truth. He remarked, “The issue is not criticism, but what is happening when slander is presented as the truth, suspicion as evidence and toxicity as public debate.”
He called for a collective response to the challenges posed by misinformation, stating that silence or private disagreement is insufficient. Cleanthous urged individuals to speak out against falsehoods and to uphold the values of truth and accountability. “It is my obligation to speak out,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of fostering a society where truth holds more weight than mere impressions, and where facts prevail over rumors.
Cleanthous expressed concern over the implications of the digital age, warning that truth, accountability, and responsibility should not be sacrificed in the face of rapid information dissemination. He posited that the responsibility to combat misinformation lies not only with a select few but with everyone in society. “Whoever sees what is happening is obliged to speak,” he stated, adding, “And those who keep quiet should know they are taking a position.”
In conclusion, Cleanthous reminded the public that they are ultimately judged not only by their words but also by their actions and their willingness to confront misinformation. His statements serve as a call to action for individuals to engage in constructive dialogue and to prioritize truth in an era increasingly characterized by misinformation and divisive rhetoric.