The courts in Iraklio, Crete have postponed the appeal of ERA and ERT employees against the sudden closure of the public and radio stations in June, for the of 2nd December.

The postponement came at the request of the lawyers for the State, because they were unable to prepare without proper access to employee records, which are kept at the ERT HQ in Agia Paraskevi, which is occupied by ERT employees.

The attorney of ERT and ERA employees Tasos Petropoulos claimed that the State was simply stalling and stressed that the state does not want a decision before the Council of State was first to rule on appeal.

The employees demand the annulment of the Presidential Decree which resulted in their dismissal and the closure of television and radio stations. Across Greece there are 170 similar cases pending, so the courts in Iraklio will be setting a precedent.

In spite of the government closure though, ERT and ERA employees have continued broadcasting online via their ertopen.com website. The trial proceedings will be covered by ERA and ERT, while the presidents of Greek journalist unions will attend the trial in support of the employees.