“That grenade was thrown to do real harm”—Union of Greek photoreporters calls protest over police attack on Marios Lolos
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The Union of Greek photoreporters Press Photo Union (EFE) calls for a protest on Friday, 31 January 2025, at 12:00 pm, outside the Ministry of Citizen Protection,. EFE will submit a complaint regarding the injury of photojournalist Marios Lolos by police forces after the massive rally for the Tempe disaster on Sunday, 26 January. Lolos' injury, along with the attack on other journalists by riot police while covering the rally, adds to the growing list of photojournalists who have become victims of police violence.
EFE states that they will stand by each colleague and is calling on trade unions and press associations to join the protest.
Marios Lolos, in particular, was struck by a flashbang grenade in Syntagma Square that hit his head before exploding.
Speaking about the incident, Lolos said: “That grenade was thrown to do real harm—my hearing is at risk.”
“I was hit by a flashbang grenade to the head. Thankfully, I saw it coming, turned my head, and it hit me on the side. As a result, I’ve suffered ear damage and bruising. My hearing has deteriorated, and if it doesn’t improve with the cortisone treatment, I may need hearing aids,” the photojournalist explained.
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Lolos firmly believes the grenade was intentionally thrown, calling the act murderous: “Flashbang grenades should not be thrown into the air,” he emphasised.
“Photographers are constantly subjected to violence by riot police officers,” he continued. “They don’t want us documenting the excessive force they use on protesters, nor their blatant disregard for rules of engagement. On Sunday, they chased and sprayed families; that’s the reality. And that’s why they don’t want us taking their pictures. They view cameras as deadly weapons.”
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