Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 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

Opposition challenges cabinet legitimacy in Constitutional Court

Velichie party leader Ivelin Mihaylov said in parliament that together with MECH and Vazrazhdane parties they have collected the necessary signatures to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court. They are challenging the..

published on 10/3/25 1:31 PM
Rosen Zhelyazkov

Premier Zhelyazkov: The defence capabilities of the European Union and NATO must be strengthened

''Sabotage groups are operational in Bulgaria, and they exert hybrid influence and are part of Bulgaria's political life'', Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said in Parliament in response to a question about whether there is data on hybrid attacks and..

published on 10/3/25 12:34 PM

Burgas Municipality declares a partial state of emergency due to heavy rainfall

The Municipality of Burgas has declared a partial state of emergency until October 6. Mayor Dimitar Nikolov said that evacuations will be carried out in the areas most affected by the heavy rainfall, if necessary.  The measure was introduced due to..

published on 10/3/25 11:11 AM