OSCE Representative condemns violent attack on journalist in Bulgaria, urges investigation

VIENNA, 19 January 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the violent beating of Bulgarian journalist Stoyan Tonchev. 

According to media reports, on 14 January Stoyan Tonchev, an investigative journalist for the website Hello Bulgaria, was severely beaten by unidentified persons with baseball bats outside his home in the town of Pomorie, Bulgaria.

During the beating, the attackers reportedly threatened Tonchev, asking him how long he will continue to write. The journalist was taken to hospital where he was treated for severe injuries to his skull and face. He reported the attack to the police.

Bulgarian Minister of Interior Rumyana Bachvarova, on the day following the attack, affirmed in front of media that the authorities would quickly respond to the incident.  According to the latest media reports,  police have detained two people suspected of carrying out the attack.  

Welcoming the swift reaction by the authorities Mijatović said: “I urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. There must be no impunity for 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.