Journalist suffered collarbone and neck injuries after attack by company operator

Location: Greece, Attica
Date: May 14, 2024

Women Press Freedom staunchly condemns the violent attack against Rena Kouvelioti.  The journalist was investigating a story of great public concern, illegal oxygen welding in an area of the country dangerously prone to deadly fires when she was physically assaulted by an operator for the welding company. The behavior of the man, which was captured on camera, shows a blatant contempt for a journalist trying to do her job. The assault against Kouvelioti was brutal, causing significant injuries. The perpetrator must be swiftly prosecuted for this unmistakable crime. We wish Rena Kouvelioti a speedy recovery from her injuries and stand in complete solidarity with the journalist as she pursues justice for this horrific attack.

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Rena Kouvelioti, a journalist with Alpha TV, was viciously assaulted while investigating oxygen welding activities in Lagonisi, Attica, southern Greece, on May 14, 2024. While reporting at the construction site, Kouvelioti was unexpectedly assaulted by the company's operator.

“We approached this gentleman, I want to believe he is an employee, and we asked him with whose permission the work is being done, and we were attacked unprovoked,” says Kouvelioti.

The assailant forcibly turned her hand, causing severe injuries, including swelling in the collarbone, bruising, and neck injuries. 

Rena Kouvelioti's investigation into the oxygen welding being conducted near dry grass in Lagonisi was prompted by numerous complaints from local communities regarding the potential fire hazard posed by such activities. It is fire season in Greece and such works are forbidden by law.

Kouvelioti filed a police complaint following the assault, leading to the arrest of her attacker by the authorities. Despite her injuries and the viciousness of the attack, Kouvelioti is determined to continue her reporting.

"The attempts to silence the work I have been doing all these years are 'in vain.' Personally, I will continue the research I have undertaken and will see it through. Those who exercise violence are the ones who break the law, so they will be held accountable in court,” Kouvelioti told local outlet NewsBomb.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of the attack, Kouvelioti's resolve to persevere in her reporting sends a powerful message to oppressors: attempts to silence investigative journalism will not succeed. Women Press Freedom notes with concern that journalists covering environmental issues frequently faced violent assaults and violations during the course of their work. This brutal attack on a reporter in the field is an urgent reminder of the need to protect those who risk their safety to uncover injustices.

Women Press Freedom condemns this cowardly act of violence and stands in solidarity with Kouvelioti in her pursuit of justice. Greek authorities must hold the attacker responsible; assaults on journalists doing their jobs cannot occur with impunity.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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