‘Proto Thema’ has released a statement after the morning attack by a mob of hooded extremists against its offices:

‘It is the second time in two years that a ‘known-unknown’ hooded group terrorise 200 employees at ‘Proto Thema’ by smashing windows, hurling rocks and leaving an axe behind as their ‘calling card”. It is an axe that hangs more ominous than ever against free press over the past two months, in many forms…

Yesterday it was the decisions of the disciplinary body of the ‘Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers’ (ESIEA) against journalists that ‘disagree’ with the government, today it was the hooded group against ‘Proto Thema’. Whoever dares to disagree with them is targeted-sometimes via instigation-from the most official lips in the Greek parliament.

Let’s be honest. We all know who is going after ‘Proto Thema’ with great fury by using methods akin to a parallel state. Who and why cannot handle criticism, and will employ any means in their state of panic. They terrorise, taunt, blackmail, eavesdrop.

Their efforts are in vain. We shall continue to write and we have always done so. That’s what we know and do best, and we will become even better at it because we are more determined. The ‘axe’ of free press for the public opinion is always more forceful.

P.S: The specific hooded group is known to everyone. Some of them are arrested and because the government has rendered the ‘innocent act’ of smashing private property and terrorising employees a misdemeanour from a felony, those detained are released in a short while. Over the past year they have been going in and out of detention and continue their ‘acts’ unhinged. Is there any doubt about who the lads are working for?’