OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media deeply shocked by the killing of Greek journalist, calls for justice

VIENNA, 9 April 2021 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expressed her shock by the killing of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz in Athens, Greece, today.

“This is a horrific event,” said Ribeiro. “Journalists should always be safe to do their work. I urge the Greek authorities to swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible and to clearly determine the motivation behind this terrible attack.”

The Greek journalist was shot dead outside his home in Athens in broad daylight, as he was returning home from his work as a crime reporter on the TV network STAR. 

Karaivaz was known for his work reporting on Greek police and crime. The journalist operated the site bloko.gr, which reported on the subject.

According to reports, two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was wearing what appeared to be army clothes, shot Karavaiz at least six times as the journalist was exiting his car in front of his home. An estimated 17 to 20 shell casings were found at the scene, and details indicate that the killers used a silencer, as neighbors did not hear any gunshots.

“The killing of a journalist for his work is an attack on the freedom of expression and on democracy. There can be no impunity for such heinous crimes,” the Representative stated.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.