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Germany

Greeks sue German magazine over one fingered salute

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

April 22, 2011 | 2 min read

Irate Greeks are suing a German magazine following publication of a front cover article last year which accused the Mediterranean state of being “cheats in the Euro family”.

Alongside a photoshopped image of the Greek goddess Aphrodite giving a one fingered salute, Focus magazine asked “will the Greeks make off with our money?” in reference to the bailout the bankrupt state now requires to balance its books – a bill largely being footed by Germany.

The unflattering article depicted Greece as a country which cheated its way into the Euro area by falsifying its accounts, prompting six Greek citizens to sue the journalists and editor involved for libel and insult.

Focus is vigorously defending its actions, pointing out that the publication was a “legitimate, satirical commentary”.

Greek tabloids haven’t been above such ruses themselves, with one title publishing a picture of the very same statue above a Berlin victory column holding a swastika.

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