Concern about 'continuous' attacks on media in Greece

From a report by Clive Leviev-Sawyer in The Sofia Echo :

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) said in a March 5 2009 that it was concerned about "continuous attacks" on the media in Greece.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI).

According to information received by SEEMO, during the evening of February 26 2009, the offices of Athens-based newspaper Apogevmatini were attacked by a group of masked men throwing rocks and wielding iron. Damage was caused to the premises of the newspaper and to several cars parked outside the building.

Less than two weeks ago, four armed men fired shots and threw a suspected explosive device outside the central offices of TV Alter in Athens.

"SEEMO notes with concern this trend of attacks against journalists in Greece. It calls on the authorities to demonstrate their commitment to the protection of journalists, and press freedom in general, by taking all steps possible to counter these disturbing developments."

"The media functions as an important pillar of democracy in society by providing
information in the interest of the public," SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said.

"SEEMO calls for the maintenance of a safe working environment for journalists and media outlets in Greece. Any attacks against journalists must be fully investigated and carry consequences," he said.