Jerusalem Post Journalist Attacked in Athens

SEEMO/IPI Press Release: SEEMO & IPI Call for Greek Authorities to Investigate Journalist Beating

Jerusalem Post Journalist Attacked in Athens

VIENNA, June 8, 2012 – The South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), today condemned the violent attack on Jerusalem Post journalist Gil Shefler that took place on June 6, and called on the Greek authorities to ensure his attackers are prosecuted.

According to a report on the Jerusalem Post’s website, Shefler was in Greece to report on the rise of the far-right political party Golden Dawn, which has enjoyed growing support in the wake of Greece’s financial and political crisis.

In a video report on the paper’s website, Schefler said he was attacked after trying to film a mob of armed, masked men beating a group of refugees and homeless people outside the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It is unclear which political group the attackers are affiliated with, if any.

He was treated at hospital for injuries to his head and chest, but is now in “good condition,” the Jerusalem Post said. The Greek ambassador to Israel “unreservedly” condemned the attack in a letter sent to the paper’s editor on Thursday.

“We condemn this outrageous attack and call for the Greek police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” SEEMO Secretary-General Oliver Vujovic said.

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