The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a regional organisation of editors, media executives, owners of media and leading journalists from South East and Central Europe, and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), strongly condemns the murder of Andis Hadjicostis, CEO of the family-controlled Dias media group and Sigma TV in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Information obtained by SEEMO indicates that Hadjicostis was killed on Monday, 11 January 2009, in the evening, in Nicosia’s diplomatic neighbourhood of Engom, as he was leaving his home.
The 41-year-old Hadjicostis created the Sigma TV station, and also worked on modernising the Dias media group, which includes newspapers, magazines and radio stations.
Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Hadjicostis’s family, friends and colleagues for their tragic loss. ” Vujovic added that he was alarmed about the heinous crime and that “it is important to find as soon as possible the person or persons responsible for this killing of a media owner.” He added: “SEEMO asks the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus to do everything they can to solve the case.”