“That grenade was thrown to do real harm”—Union of Greek photoreporters calls protest over police attack on Marios Lolos

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.

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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