Greece Leaves the Council of Europe: What Happened
On 12 December 1969, Greece withdrew from the Council of Europe, the organization founded in 1949 to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. After the military coup of April 1967, the governments of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands brought a case against Greece before the European Commission of Human Rights. The Commission investigated reports of human rights abuses under the junta, including torture, arbitrary detention and the suspension of democratic rights. Its report, released in 1969, found that the junta had committed torture and other violations of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers was set to vote on expelling Greece. Facing almost certain expulsion, the Greek foreign minister, Panagiotis Pipinelis, announced the country's withdrawal at the meeting in Paris before the vote could take place. The case was one of the first major state cases before the European human rights system, and it damaged the international reputation of the junta. Greece rejoined the Council of Europe in November 1974, after the restoration of democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Greece leave the Council of Europe in 1969?
Greece withdrew on 12 December 1969 to avoid being expelled over human rights abuses by the military junta, including torture.
What was the Greek case?
Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands brought a case against Greece before the European Commission of Human Rights, which found the junta had committed torture.
Who announced Greece's withdrawal?
The Greek foreign minister, Panagiotis Pipinelis, announced the withdrawal at a meeting in Paris before the vote on expulsion could take place.
Why is the Greek case important?
It was one of the first major state cases before the European human rights system and damaged the junta's international reputation.
When did Greece rejoin the Council of Europe?
Greece rejoined the Council of Europe in November 1974, after the fall of the junta and the restoration of democracy.
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