Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has filed both a criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit against popular actor and TV presenter Lakis Lazopoulos, following remarks made on the satirical show Al Tsandiri News, broadcast by Mega TV.
“Severe and Vulgar Attack”
In a public Instagram post, Georgiadis stated that Lazopoulos launched what he described as a “severe and vulgar attack” against him — the latest in a series of such incidents. He accused Lazopoulos of using insults, slander, insinuations, and even incitement to violence during the broadcast.
According to Georgiadis, the comments went far beyond acceptable political criticism — which, as a public official, he says he is obligated to tolerate. Instead, he claims the remarks caused him “serious moral harm” and triggered “justified fear” for his family’s safety.
Legal Steps Extend Beyond the Presenter
In addition to targeting Lazopoulos personally, Georgiadis also filed a civil suit against the responsible executive at Mega TV for the broadcast. He simultaneously submitted a formal complaint to Greece’s National Council for Radio and Television (ESR), the country’s media regulatory authority, calling on it to act against both the broadcaster and the presenter.
“I sincerely regret having to take this step,” Georgiadis wrote, noting that while he generally avoids litigation out of respect for freedom of speech and legitimate criticism, he believes he had “absolutely no other option” in this case.