IFJ Expresses Solidarity with Workers and Supporters at ERT

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed its solidarity with workers and supporters of the former Greek public broadcaster ERT. The IFJ issued the call following its recent meeting at IFJ headquarters in Brussels with an ERT delegation. During the meeting, organised by the Greek MEP Sofia Sakorafa, discussions focused on the tireless commitment of the ERT staff and their drive for the rights of journalist and free independent, media in Greece. Following the meeting, ERT employees sent a declaration of unity to the IFJ in which they stated that they have kept the station open for 16 months and refuse to “close the microphones,” in their fight for “dignity and labour self-defence against the aggression of the Greek government.” The declaration continues by stating that this is their “minimum obligation to all citizens of Greece and their right to quality programming produced by a public medium that should belong to all the people.” And it adds: “One thing we want to make clear: For us, the shock doctrine is dead. It's time to go out to the clear sky of culture, democracy, solidarity and dignity. It's time to reopen ERT.” Responding to the declaration, IFJ President Jim Boumelha, said: “We send our solidarity to the staff and supporters of ERT and we express our support for their continuing commitment to journalists’ rights. “It is vitally important that societies have an independent, pluralistic and quality-focused public media in that justifies the collection of license fees from the public and provides balanced and open information.” For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 17 The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries