The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), praises the prompt arrest of the police officer who allegedly attacked a professional female photographer covering an anti-austerity rally in Athens on 5 October 2011. Pictures appear to show the policeman hitting Tatiana Bolari, who works for the Athens News Agency and other agencies, causing her to lose a tooth.
Bolari was not the only press representative allegedly targeted by the police.
According to the Board of the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Journalists (P.O.E.SY.) seven media workers were hurt by the police.
In June 2011, journalist Manolis Kypraios lost his hearing after a police stun grenade went off next to him while he was covering a protest.
“SEEMO praises the prompt detention of the police officer who allegedly attacked Tatiana Bolari,” said SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic. “All alleged attacks against journalists should be investigated and those responsible sanctioned. I call on the Greek police to abstain from the use of force and to allow media workers to freely exercise their profession.”