Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

US State Department defines Bulgaria as country with high corruption and endangered human rights

Photo: Wikipedia

In its annual report on human rights for 2021, the US Department of State reports that Bulgaria has significant human rights problems. The report also highlights serious problems with judicial independence, corruption, intolerance and restrictions on free expression, including threats of violence against journalists and corporate and political pressure on the media. 

The part of the report concerning Bulgaria was published by the US Embassy in Sofia. The document expresses concern about the "lack of judicial control against a prosecutor's decision not to initiate an investigation" and the influence of the prosecution on the Supreme Judicial Council and magistrates. 

The US State Department does not omit the data on illegal wiretapping and surveillance in Bulgaria, referring to the conclusion of the special commission in the National Assembly for over 900 people, including politicians, magistrates and journalists, monitored during the anti-government protests in 2020 . The investigation into police violence against protesters pulled by police under the columns of the Council of Ministers was also mentioned.

The document also cites a statement from May last year of former BNR director general Andon Baltakov that the law favours political interference in media management through controlled funding, as an example of how independent media have been pressured at all levels.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Boyko Borissov and Raya Nazaryan

GERB/SDS withdraws its nomination for president of the National Assembly

GERB/SDS has withdrawn its nomination for president of the National Assembly. In the upcoming 8 th attempt to elect a president of parliament, there will be 3 candidates. Vazrazhdane is once again nominating Petar Petrov. There Is Such a People (ITN)..

published on 11/29/24 12:04 PM
Iliana Iotova

Vice President Iliana Iotova: Whether the parliament will survive is up to the political parties

Two very important procedures depend on the election of president of parliament. Talking to reporters, Vice President Iliana Iotova said that if a president of the National Assembly is elected, then a national budget can be submitted and the president..

published on 11/29/24 11:26 AM

Sheep infected with smallpox in Zhelyo Voivoda village to be euthanized

In Zhelyo Voivoda village, a flock of sheep infected with smallpox will be euthanized after laboratory tests confirmed that the animals are indeed infected. BNR’s correspondent in Sliven reports, citing the local administration, that the animals..

published on 11/29/24 10:47 AM