site.btaNOVA TV Condemns Attack on Journalists Covering Protest during EC President Visit in Sopot

Bulgarian broadcaster NOVA TV has issued a strong statement condemning the obstruction of its journalists during a live report in the town of Sopot, where a protest was taking place in connection with a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to the network, reporter Blagoy Bekriev and cameraman Kaloyan Kalchev were kicked and verbally assaulted, and their live broadcast was forcibly interrupted. The incident occurred while the team was attempting to cover public demonstrations tied to von der Leyen’s visit.

“The NOVA team firmly condemns any attempt to obstruct journalistic work,” the media outlet said in its official statement.

NOVA called on all citizens, protesters, and especially the organizers of the demonstrations, including the parliamentary parties Vazrazhdane and Velichie, to respect the media’s right to report freely and objectively.

“Such acts not only disrupt our professional work but also violate the public’s right to receive accurate information. Freedom of speech and the right of the public to be informed are core democratic values,” the statement added.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of journalists in politically charged environments and the increasing hostility toward the press during public demonstrations in Bulgaria.