ΕΣΗΕΑ’s appeal to Takis Theodorikakos

A letter sent to the Minister of Civil Protection Takis Theodorikakos regarding the murder of journalist Giorgi Karaivaz (Γιώργου Καραϊβάζ) six months ago called on the ΕΣΗΕΑ (Union of Journalists of the Athens Daily Newspapers) to expedite the protracted investigation.

Recall that on April 9 this year, the famous Greek journalist Giorgi Karaivaz fell victim to unknown assassins. This happened in the metropolitan municipality of Alimos, when George was returning home. Unknown shot at a famous journalist, who specialized in criminal investigations, from an ambush near the house. After the fatal shot, the criminals fled.

As reported four days after the dastardly murder, the journalist received nine fatal bullets, according to an expert report prepared by Stavrula Papadodima, a professor at the School of Medicine. He had no chance of surviving. Police claimedthat the investigation is in full swing, all possible resources are being used to clarify the circumstances of the case as soon as possible.

However, the Union of Journalists notes that although “more than six months have passed since the cold-blooded murder of a colleague, there has been no progress in the investigation of the crime.”

The appeal says that the investigation into the murder of a journalist, which “was carried out in cold blood under unclear circumstances, is necessary not only to ensure justice in the criminal part of the case, but also to instill a sense of security in Greek journalists.”

The full text of the letter sent in connection with the International Day for the Elimination of Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, celebrated annually on November 2, looks like this:

Mr. Minister!

Today, more than six months have passed since the cold-blooded murder of our colleague Georgy Karaivaz on April 9, 2021, but the investigation of the crime has not advanced. Although, according to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Council of Europe on October 7, 2021 (we attach protocol No. ESIEA 1140 / 11.10.2021), the investigation of the perpetrators of the murder remains the absolute priority of the Greek police and its services. Nothing is known about this heinous crime, which shook the journalistic world and affected the information industry both in Greece and abroad.

In connection with the International Day for the Elimination of Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, established by a decision of the UN General Assembly in 2013 and celebrated annually on November 2, the International Federation of Journalists calls on governments around the world to take action to end impunity and protect press freedom.

The journalist Karaivaz was killed in cold blood under unclear circumstances. He was known for his reliability and efficiency in cooperation with the police. He was the latest victim in Greece, and the interest in developing the investigation is enormous – both from the European and International Federation of Journalists.

The investigation into the murder of a colleague is necessary not only for the administration of justice in the criminal part of the case, but also in order to instill a sense of security in Greek journalists. Freedom of the press is ensured by unimpeded information that only its officials can safely provide. Freedom of speech cannot be limited by any sense of fear and insecurity, it must be guaranteed by the state itself.

We are waiting for your reply.
Board of Directors ΕΣΗΕΑ
The president
Secretary General.

…



Source link