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

Bulgaria's toll system begins fining overloaded trucks

Starting October 15, Bulgaria's toll system has begun weighing heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons while they are in motion. The weighing process is fully automated. "Currently, 10 out of nearly 100 planned devices have been certified. The sensors..

published on 10/15/25 10:27 AM

The number of Ukrainians using indefinite state shelter is decreasing

The number of Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection in the country who are accommodated in hotels and other facilities under the program for humanitarian support and integration of displaced persons from Ukraine has decreased by half. Currently,..

published on 10/15/25 9:29 AM

The leader of GERB speaks about reformatting the ruling majority

"We will no longer help ensure a quorum in Parliament", said Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB, the party holding the mandate for the government formed by the parliamentary majority. His statement, made in front of the party's parliamentary group and..

published on 10/15/25 9:12 AM