Vienna, 29/07/2011
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), condemns taxi drivers´ attacks on SKAI TV in Piraeus, (Athens), Greece. Representatives of taxi drivers’ organizations have been protesting against a government decision to deregulate and liberalize their profession.
On 28 July 2011, taxi drivers vented their anger against SKAI TV; they gathered in the courtyard of the SKAI building and threw sharp objects, stones and bottles at windows. Some protesters blocked the building entrance and impeded journalists from entering and leaving. SKAI video footage shows how angry taxi drivers broke security cameras in order to prevent recording.
“SEEMO calls for better police protection of media outlets. Piraeus prosecutors should investigate this case thoroughly and find the perpetrators. As for the taxi drivers, I believe that attacks against media do not represent a solution to their demands,” said Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General.