Revenge Porn in Greece: Legal Protections Against the Non-Consensual Distribution of Pornographic Material
Revenge Porn in Greece: Legal Protections Against the Non-Consensual Distribution of Pornographic Material
In recent years, Greek society has been shaken by an alarming rise in incidents involving the non-consensual distribution of pornographic material, often resulting in devastating consequences, including suicide. These cases have exposed a significant gap in criminal law protections for victims of revenge porn, prompting the Greek government to introduce new legislation that criminalizes such behavior.
In response, Law 4947/23.06.2022 was enacted, adding Article 346 to the Greek Penal Code. This article formally establishes the crime of revenge porn, addressing the malicious dissemination of intimate content without the consent of the person depicted. The law, which came into effect on May 1, 2024, aims to safeguard the sexual dignity and informational self-determination of victims.
What Constitutes Revenge Porn Under Greek Law?
Article 346 defines revenge porn as the unauthorized disclosure or publication of real, altered, or designed visual or audiovisual material depicting another person’s private sexual acts. Crucially, even if the material was originally created with the subject’s consent, its further distribution without their permission is considered illegal.
The crime is categorized into three misdemeanors and one felony, depending on the severity and context:
Misdemeanor Forms:
1. Non-consensual sharing of intimate content initially produced with mutual consent.
2. Recording and/or distributing such content without the victim’s knowledge or approval.
3. Threatening or blackmailing the victim with the intent to share the material.
All these acts are punishable by 3 to 5 years imprisonment and a fine. It is also important to note that, under the revised Penal Code, these sentences are no longer suspended, meaning immediate imprisonment may occur upon conviction—even at the first-instance level. This makes expert legal representation absolutely critical.
Felony Forms:
1. Uploading the material online or on social media, making it accessible to an indefinite number of users.
2. Committing the act against a minor, spouse, ex-partner, cohabitant, employee, or vulnerable person.
3. Sharing the content for financial gain.
4. When the victim is driven to suicide attempt or death, the sentence can reach up to 20 years of imprisonment and significant monetary penalties.
Key Legal Elements
To successfully prosecute revenge porn, the victim must be identifiable through the content—whether by facial features, voice, or other distinguishing characteristics. The law also requires that the offender acted with intent (dolus); negligence is not enough for a conviction. This makes legal analysis and courtroom strategy essential in defending the accused or representing victims.
Real Case Examples Handled by Economou & Economou
As one of the top law offices in Greece for criminal law—recognized by Lawzana—Economou & Economou Law Office has successfully handled numerous high-profile revenge porn cases, including:
• Case 1: A young professional’s intimate videos were shared by her ex-boyfriend after their breakup. Our office secured a 3-year prison sentence without suspension, with additional civil damages awarded to the victim.
• Case 2: A case involving the non-consensual distribution of pornographic material by a former co-worker who accessed private cloud storage. We ensured the conviction of the perpetrator and froze their assets until restitution was paid.
• Case 3: We defended an individual falsely accused of revenge porn. With expert digital forensics and a strong legal strategy, we proved the lack of intent, resulting in acquittal at the appellate level.
These examples demonstrate the complexity of such cases and highlight the importance of hiring attorneys experienced in both criminal litigation and digital privacy law.
Why Choose Economou & Economou law office?
With decades of experience in criminal defense and an extensive track record in cases involving digital crimes, our firm offers comprehensive support to both victims and the accused in revenge porn cases. Whether you are facing false allegations or seeking justice, our specialized legal team is here to defend your rights.
We are proud to be recognized among the best criminal law firms in Greece by Lawzana, an international legal directory. This distinction reflects our commitment to justice, client care, and our in-depth knowledge of Greek and EU privacy law.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is involved in a revenge porn case in Greece or the non-consensual distribution of pornographic material, reach out to us immediately. Discreet, professional, and strategic legal assistance is essential.
Economou & Economou Law Office
Phone: (+30) 2103603824
Email: econlaw@live.com
Let us defend your rights with the seriousness and experience your case deserves. Your future depends on it.