"I am appalled by the murder of journalist Victoria Marinova in Bulgaria. I call on the authorities to urgently and fully investigate this horrendous crime and ensure that those responsible, including the masterminds, are held accountable. The fact that her latest reporting work was related to the alleged misuse of EU funds should also press for international scrutiny.
Victoria Marinova is the fourth journalist and the third woman journalist to be killed in a European Union country since 2017. Her horrific killing taps into the reality of female journalists who face additional threats because they are women, and sends yet another signal that should prompt governments to take effective and immediate action for the safety of journalists in Europe. Pressure and attacks on journalists must stop.
Her death came on the 12th anniversary of Anna Politkovskaya’s assassination, which reminds us of the impunity that still prevails in too many crimes committed against journalists.
Freedom of expression is a well-established human right. States have the duty to protect the lives of journalists and to end impunity for crimes against them.
My deepest condolences go to Victoria’s family and friends."