Bulgaria’s Ballot Box Violence: Journalists Attacked During 2024 Elections

November 6, 2024 – Bulgaria –

During Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections on October 27, 2024, at least four journalists were attacked, harassed, or obstructed in the line of duty, prompting a wave of condemnation from international press freedom groups. In a joint statement released on November 6, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), International Press Institute (IPI), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and OBC Transeuropa demanded full investigations and accountability for the perpetrators.

The most serious incident involved a bTV camera operator who was physically assaulted by two individuals inside a polling station. The attackers, reportedly supporters of the DPS-New Beginning coalition, repeatedly hit the journalist until police intervened and detained them. Separately, Damiana Veleva, a reporter for Free Europe, was denied access to a polling location while trying to report on voting conditions. BNR correspondent Zdravka Maslyankova was subjected to verbal threats and intimidation while covering events on election day. In another alarming episode, reporter Diyana Zhelyazkova was threatened by the mayor of Nikola Kozlevo, demonstrating how political figures themselves are participating in press suppression.

These incidents form part of a growing pattern of hostility toward journalists in Bulgaria, particularly during politically sensitive moments. Press freedom organizations warn that such violence—ranging from physical attacks to political intimidation—poses a direct threat to democratic integrity. When journalists cannot safely cover elections, transparency suffers, and public trust erodes.

The joint statement from media watchdogs calls on Bulgarian authorities to conduct thorough, impartial investigations and to ensure legal accountability for those responsible. The groups also urged political parties to discipline members involved in any acts of intimidation against the press. They emphasized that journalism, especially during elections, must be protected, not criminalized.

Bulgaria consistently ranks among the lowest EU countries for press freedom. The violence during the 2024 elections signals not just isolated acts but a dangerous climate of impunity. For democracy to thrive, journalists must be free to report without fear of retaliation. The message from international observers is clear: protecting the press is essential to protecting the vote.

Press freedom organisations condemn attacks on journalists during Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections