Riot officer freed pending probe
The policeman who was caught on camera attacking a female professional photographer during an anti-austerity rally on Wednesday was released on Thursday after a prosecutor said that charges would not be brought against him until a medical examiner has determined the extent of the woman?s injuries.
The 22-year-old riot squad officer, who was not named, faces charges of causing bodily harm or grievous bodily harm – according to what the examiner concludes – as well as subjecting his victim to verbal abuse.
Tatiana Bolari, the photographer who works for the Athens News Agency and other agencies, was allegedly struck by the officer, causing her to loose a tooth.
The officer denies all charges and is allegedly planning to lodge his own countersuit, claiming that the photographer lied about the attack.
Several other members of the press also claimed that they had been attacked and filed a suit against the police.
The journalists? federation (POESY) called the attacks ?barbaric? and invited the police to take part in a seminar on October 12 on the issue of the police and human rights.
In June, journalist Manolis Kypraios lost his hearing after a police stun grenade went off next to him while he was covering a protest.
