ISI Statement on the Reopening of the Case Against Andreas Georgiou

The ISI once again supports Andreas Georgiou, a former President of ELSTAT (Hellenic Statistical Authority), in another trial within the Greek justice system.

The ISI appreciates the decision of the Greek Supreme Court, which granted Mr. Georgiou's request to reopen the case of alleged breach of duty. He was previously sentenced to two years in prison for failing to submit the corrected 2006-2009 deficit and debt statistics of Greece to a vote but acting in accordance with the principle of professional independence outlined in the European Statistics Code of Practice (Indicator 1.4). This decision to reopen the case follows the European Court of Human Rights' condemnation of Greece for failing to provide Mr. Georgiou with a fair trial, a violation of Article 6 of the Convention on Human Rights.

The ISI reiterates its support for statisticians who are guided solely by their professional ethics and follow the United Nations Fundamental Principles for Official Statistics in fulfilling their duties. The ISI hopes that the September 2025 trial will put an end to Mr. Georgiou's long ordeal, resulting in a full acquittal by the Greek Supreme Court and the recognition of his contributions to the statistical community and Greek democracy.

The ISI invites statisticians and supporters of the independence of national statistical agencies worldwide to show their solidarity with Mr. Georgiou.