OSCE media freedom representative condemns brutal attack against journalist in Greece and urges swift investigation

VIENNA, 11 May 2012 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today condemned the beating of Greek journalist Konstantinos Bogdanos, and called for a swift investigation by the authorities.

“I hope that a thorough and transparent investigation will now be carried out by the authorities, in order to identify the attackers and clarify the motives behind the beating,” wrote Mijatović in a letter to Greek authorities. “By doing so, the authorities will also send a message to society that attacks against journalists are not tolerated and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”

According to media reports, Bogdanos, a journalist for Skai television and a radio presenter, was attacked by three men while he was walking towards his car at night on 9 May, in Athens. Bogdanos reportedly said that the attackers knew he was a journalist as they referred to Skai television during the attack. Bogdanos was hospitalized with head injuries and a fractured hand and was released from hospital on 10 May.

The Representative also asked for an update from the authorities on the police investigation into the murder of journalist Socratis Giolias who was killed in July 2010 in Athens.