OSCE media freedom representative condemns murder of Greek political blogger
BISHKEK, 19 July 2010 - Dunja Mijatovic, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, today condemned the killing of journalist Socratis Giolias and urged the Greek authorities to carry out a rapid and thorough investigation into the murder.
Giolias was the administrator of the most popular political and social blog in Greece, "Troktiko" (Rodent), and the information director of radio station Thema 98.9. He was shot today in front of his home in Athens by unknown assailants.
"Mr. Giolias was a well-known political blogger in his country, an investigative journalist often very critical of the previous government," said Mijatovic, who is on a visit to Kyrgyzstan. "As the motives of his killing are still unclear, I ask the Greek authorities to ensure that his murder is investigated rapidly and thoroughly, and the public is continuously informed of this process."
"The Oslo Declaration adopted last week by the Parliamentarians of the 56 OSCE participating States, including Greece, emphasized the unique and vital role of investigative journalism in strengthening democracies. It also called upon participating States to vigorously prosecute all of those responsible for the murder of investigative journalists," wrote Mijatovic in a letter to the Greek authorities. "I hope that the perpetrators of this horrifying murder will be very soon brought to justice."