Unacceptable physical attack on journalist in Bulgaria says OSCE media freedom representative, calls for investigation

VIENNA, 27 September 2018 – Yesterday's attack on another investigative journalist in Bulgaria is unacceptable, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, said in Vienna today.

Dimitar Varbanov, of the television show “Gospodari na Efira” (Lords of the Airwaves), was severely beaten in Veliko Tarnovo on 26 September by several assailants working at the warehouse which he had investigated. The journalist, who was investigating the sale of expired products, sustained several injuries and was hospitalized.

“Investigative journalists carry out an important and dangerous duty of informing society on issues of public interest, often risking their health, and sometimes their lives, in the search for truth. Perpetrators of this attack must be identified and face justice. The journalists must be protected from such unacceptable violence,” Désir said.

The Representative noted the reaction by the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Boyko Borissov, who reportedly commented on this case earlier today, saying that “the bullies must be punished with the full force of the law.”

The Representative recently condemned the attack on Khristo Geshov, producer of the ‘Targeted’ television programme  (see: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/381145) and threats against Georgi Ezekiev of Zov News  (see: https://www.osce.org/fom/358966).

He also wrote to the authorities regarding the detention of investigative journalists Dimitar Stoyanov of Bivol and Atilla Biro of Rise Romania.

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.