ATHENS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of April Fools' Day and in the run-up to the European elections to be held during May 23-26, Greece tried on Monday to raise awareness and encourage caution over the phenomenon of fake news.

The revelation of the false information to the public took place during the open action at the Syntagma Metro Station.

Men with beards were called to make the bold step and get saved in public and barbers were there eager to help.

The idea was based on the Greek slang phrase "Cut the beards" which means stop telling lies.

"We wanted to showcase the ease with which misleading news can unfortunately be transmitted. We would like to thank the media that helped us make this campaign," George Makropouliotis, Head of the European Commission's Representation in Greece told Xinhua.

"In the run-up to the European elections this year, we wanted, and I believe have succeeded in explaining to our fellow citizens how careful and selective they should be, always checking what they are reading on the internet with a critical eye. Beware, therefore, of fake news, because it is also a question of democracy," Makropouliotis continued.

"I am here to shave the beards of those who want to get rid of them, helping in my own way to reduce lies to the world and stop misinformation," Theoharis Vasilis, a barber told Xinhua.

Fake news is a central issue ahead of the European elections, leading the public debate on the future of Europe and the protection of democratic rights. Enditem

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