IFJ Condemns "Vicious " Attack on Television Station in Greece

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its European group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) today condemned the attack on Alter TV, a private television station in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday afternoon by armed men who used force to gain entry into the station to cause disruption and threaten staff.

"We condemn this vicious attack on press freedom", said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Media in Greece need protection and must work together to combat these threats to free expression and journalism."

According to reports, a group of four armed men forced their way into the Alter TV's offices shortly before the main news broadcast. They fired shots and exploded devices but no one was injured. They were all believed to be members of Sekta Epanastaton, an extremist group in Greece.

The Journalists' Union of the Athens Daily Newspapers (JUADN), a local IFJ affiliate, said there had been an escalating violence and attacks against journalists and media workers in the city from extremists.

The IFJ supports JUADN's call for a firm response to these threats to media in Greece. "Media must not give in to threats" added White. "We fully support of colleague in their efforts to resist intolerance and intimidation." 

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide