OSCE Representative calls on Bulgarian authorities to investigate threats against journalists

VIENNA, 20 November 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on the Bulgarian authorities to fully investigate recent threats against journalists.

On 20 October, Dimitar Stoyanov, an investigative reporter with the news website Bivol, filed a police report after being followed by a number of unidentified people. On 21 October, Stoyanov alerted the police that unknown perpetrators had broken into and searched his house. Other journalists with Bivol have recently been threatened for their reporting.

“There must be no impunity for threats and intimidation of journalists as it can lead to silencing of voices and endanger media freedom. I call on the Bulgarian authorities to quickly and thoroughly investigate the incidents,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović recalled a number of previous threats and acts of intimidation against journalists in Bulgaria, including two arson attacks targeting television journalist Genka Shikerova, in September 2013 and April 2014. The Representative emphasized the need to launch thorough investigations into all attacks against journalists.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.