Statement originally published on FPA website, 1 March 2020 – accessible here
We note with great concern that certain groups on the island of Lesvos move in an organized manner to intimidate and attack journalists covering the flow of refugees and migrants arriving from Turkey.
At least two colleagues have already suffered such attacks, resulting in grave injury, pursuits and misappropriation or damage of their equipment.
We advise all colleagues in the region to display caution while executing their duty. We also urge authorities to step in immediately to prevent any further attacks.
We welcome the assurances we received from the prime minister’s office and police authorities that no such incidents will be repeated, and we await measures to that effect to be taken immediately.
The FPA board
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Several media outlets have reported on the attacks on journalists as well as people arriving on boats from Turkey. Videos shared by international media show locals kicking a journalist on the ground, while others who have been interviewed stated they had their equipment crashed. Read more on this here.
I was attacked by fascists as locals try to push a boat of refugees that was in distress earlier away from the port of Thermi on #Lesvos. I am (kinda) ok, don’t worry – the refugees though are still sitting in the boat. Plastic bottles are thrown at them. #Europe2020 pic.twitter.com/BE00gc9pXB
— Michael Trammer (@mic_tra) March 1, 2020
Additionally, Ahmed Abu Emad, a refugee and journalist from Aleppo, was shot in the throat by Greek police and died of his injury. Read more on this here.