Greek journalist killed by gunmen in Athens, political parties condemn attack

Greek journalist gunned down in Athens

ATHENS, Greece — A Greek journalist was gunned down Monday outside his home in Athens, in an attack broadly condemned by political parties.

Sokratis Giolias, 37, died after being shot more than 15 times before dawn in the capital’s eastern neighborhood of Ilioupoli, police said.

Giolias headed private Athens radio station Thema FM and wrote on a popular online news blog, Troktiko, which often deals with scandals.

The blog said two or three gunmen were believed to have shot Giolias, who was married with a young child. Police said they also believe more than one gunman was involved.

Authorities said the motive behind the killing remains unclear, but it was not believed to be linked to any of the small terrorist groups active in Greece.

A car reported stolen was found burnt-out near the scene of the shooting, said police, who are investigating whether it’s linked to the attack.

Journalist groups and political parties condemned the attack.

“I express my outrage and grief at this heinous and murderous act which resulted in the death of journalist Sokratis Giolias,” parliamentary speaker Philippos Petsalnikos said.