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

National Gallery – Square 500 presents unique collection of Western European tapestries

For the first time, a unique collection of Western European textile panels (tapestries) is on display at the National Gallery – Square 500. The exhibits were added to the collection in the 1960s by the Bulgarian National Bank as part of the..

published on 4/19/25 6:10 AM

Rain showers expected on Saturday, daytime highs will reach 20°C

Tonight, the cloud cover will be significant, with rain expected in parts of the western half of the country—more substantial in the central regions. The lowest temperatures will range between 6°C and 11°C, around 9°C in Sofia. On Saturday,..

published on 4/18/25 6:50 PM

13 people detained in Sofia during Police operation against illegal migration

Thirteen people were arrested in central Sofia during a specialized police operation aimed at countering illegal migration and preventing crimes committed by or against foreign nationals. The operation took place on April 16 and 17, said the Ministry..

published on 4/18/25 5:37 PM