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
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- IFJ Condemns "Vicious " Attack on Television Station in Greece