OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir expresses concern over pressure on journalist in Bulgaria
Vienna, 13 October 2017 – Recent threats by senior politicians to Bulgarian TV journalist Viktor Nikolaev are a point of concern for the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir, as he expressed today.
“I call on the political leaders not to threaten media professionals and take steps to protect the rights of journalists,” Désir said. “Threats against journalists are not acceptable. Such actions constitute a violation of freedom of expression and an attempt to impose censorship.”
On 6 October 2017, Viktor Nikolaev was threatened by the MP Anton Todorov (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB), and the Deputy Prime Minister, Valeri Simeonov, during a live broadcast. Both politicians suggested that the journalist might lose his job following his questions during a show on NOVA TV.
Désir noted that his Office remains ready to support Bulgaria’s compliance with its OSCE commitments on media freedom and improving journalists’ safety.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.