Attacks against journalists and impunity for assailants must stop in Bulgaria, says OSCE media freedom representative
VIENNA, 2 April 2014 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today condemned an apparent second arson attack on a car owned by Bulgarian television journalist Genka Shikerova and called for the end of impunity for assailants of journalists.
“I strongly condemn this attack against Shikerova and urge the authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the incident,” Mijatović said.
Shikerova’s car was set on fire soon after midnight on 2 April. A car owned by Shikerova was also set on fire in September.
“The fact that no one has been prosecuted for the attack six months ago sends a message that perpetrators can go unpunished,” she said. “I call on the authorities to publicly condemn this attack and bring the people to justice.”
According to media reports, there is concern that the attacks could again be linked to Shikerova’s profession.