Greek Journalist Assaulted Outside Home in Volos, Triggering Widespread Condemnation

January 24, 2026 – Greece –

Archimidis (Dimitris) Kareklidis, a veteran journalist and publisher of the regional newspaper Magnesia, was **attacked by two masked assailants outside his home in Volos, Greece, on the evening of January 22, 2026, in an incident that has been widely condemned by media organisations, authorities, and political figures across the region. Police are investigating the brutal assault, which has heightened concerns about the safety of journalists in Greece.

According to law enforcement and local press reports, Kareklidis had just parked his car near his residence when two hooded individuals approached him, pushed him to the ground, and repeatedly struck him in the face and head before fleeing on foot. The attackers remain unidentified as of the latest updates, and authorities have not yet disclosed any suspects or motives. Kareklidis was transported to a local hospital in Volos, where he was treated for visible injuries before being discharged.

The assault triggered a broad public outcry in Greece. The Journalists’ Union of Thessaly, Central Greece, and Evia denounced the attack as a “mafia-like assault” on press freedom, freedom of expression, and democracy, stressing that intimidation of media workers threatens the essential role of the press in a democratic society. The Thessaly Regional Authority also condemned the episode, describing the violence as unprovoked and stressing that journalists should be able to work and live free from harassment.

In statements following the attack, Magnesia emphasised that violence and intimidation would not deter the newspaper’s reporting or editorial independence, and Kareklidis indicated his intention to pursue legal action against unknown perpetrators.

The incident adds to a broader context of concerns over media safety in Greece, where journalists have faced physical assaults, threats, and harassment over the years — often with minimal legal accountability. Press freedom groups have pointed out that attacks on media professionals have occurred in a variety of contexts, including protests and sensitive political reporting, and that impunity for such acts remains a significant issue.

The Volos assault underscores continuing anxieties within the Greek journalistic community about threats to their personal security, and it has prompted renewed calls by unions and rights advocates for improved protection and consistent enforcement of laws safeguarding journalists.

Reference –

https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1049732-greek-journalist-assaulted-outside-home-in-volos

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1293234/assault-on-volos-journalist-widely-condemned/