From Sacred to Silenced: Blasphemy and Censorship in Post-dictatorship Greece (1974–2019)

Abstract: The complex relationship between religious institutions and free expression in Greece is deeply rooted in a legacy where the Greek Orthodox Church has significantly influenced public discourse, institutions, and legal frameworks. Historically, Greece's blasphemy laws—finally repealed in 2019—were used to restrict artistic and intellectual expression, reflecting broader tensions related to politics, national identity, and the boundaries of speech. While most European countries removed such laws decades ago, Greece's strong historical ties between state and church allowed these provisions to persist. Informal censorship remains influential, particularly with the rise of far-right and religious fundamentalist groups, often supported by elements within the Greek deep state, including the church and police. These groups have restricted free expression under the banner of preserving religious and national values. Prominent censorship cases involving cultural figures and controversial works reveal how conservative forces, especially within the church, continue to resist progressive change, leveraging censorship to maintain ideological control and challenging democratic freedoms and open discourse in Greek society.