The Union of Publishers in Bulgaria issued a statement regarding the case of the arrogant behavior demonstrated by the mayor of Galabovo, Nikolai Tonev. The statement highlights how yet another representative of the authorities attempts to take vindictive action against a journalist who diligently and objectively fulfills their duty to inform the public.
Here’s what else is mentioned in the declaration:
The mayor of Galabovo, Nikolai Tonev, demonstrated unacceptable arrogant and cynical behavior towards journalist Venelina Popova from the website “For the Truth.” Displeased with critical articles regarding how the extraordinary parliamentary elections were conducted in the municipality of Galabovo on October 27 of this year, Tonev sent the journalist offensive messages containing not only derogatory remarks but also cynical sexist expressions, replete with numerous spelling errors.
This is not Tonev’s first attack—last December, he threatened Venelina Popova with legal action over a publication in which she described how he dealt vindictively with residents of villages where his mayoral candidacy did not receive support.
Nikolai Tonev won his sixth mayoral term last year as a nominee of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS). Following the party’s split, he chose to align himself with Delyan Peevski. In the elections on October 27 of this year, he was in second place on the Stara Zagora list for “DPS – New Beginning.” Shortly thereafter, Tonev expressed a desire to be removed from the list of newly elected deputies of the party.
The Union of Publishers in Bulgaria expresses its firm stance against such attempts by politicians to take vindictive actions against journalists. Not only is such arrogant and cynical behavior absolutely unacceptable, but it should also be regarded solely as an attempt to intimidate, restrict freedom of expression, and encroach upon the freedom of speech.
The role of journalists is to safeguard the public interest, regardless of whether this is appreciated by those in power.
Venelina Popova is an established journalist and a former correspondent for Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) in Stara Zagora. She is a recipient of various journalistic awards, including the “Panitza” award for civic courage, the “Red Line” award from the Anti-Corruption Fund for regional journalism, and from the family foundation “Metropolitan Metodiy Kusev,” among others.
