MEPs condemn murder of Greek journalist

We, the undersigned members of the Media Working Group in the European Parliament are extremely shocked by and strongly condemn the murder of the prominent Greek crime reporter, Giorgos Karaivaz.

Mr. Karaivaz was attacked earlier today by two men on a motorcycle and shot at least six times, just as he was returning home from his work as a crime reporter on the TV network STAR. Mr. Karaivaz was well known for his work reporting news regarding Greek police and crime, operating a website which reported on the subject.

This is a brutal act of terror against European democracy and democratic values. Press freedom and the safety of journalists in Europe are at a record low and today’s murder is another reminder that in the absence of appropriate legislation and relevant tools, independent journalists continue to die while doing their work.

We need to act now to protect free journalism.

We call on the Greek authorities to rapidly start an investigation into this horrid murder and make sure that the perpetrators and masterminds of this crime are identified and prosecuted.

We stand together with the free press and extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Karaivaz.

Ramona Strugariu, MEP Renew Europe, co-chair

David Casa, MEP EPP, co-chair

Magdalena Adamowicz, MEP EPP

Massimiliano Smeriglio, MEP S&D

Irena Joveva, MEP Renew Europe

Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, MEP Greens/EFA

Alice Kuhnke, MEP Greens/EFA

Dace Melbarde, MEP ECR

Lucia Duris Nicholsonova, MEP ECR

Stelios Kouloglou, MEP The Left