BHC: We insist on the immediate resignation of the Chairperson of the Council for Electronic Media, Ms. Sonya Momchilova.
The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee insists on the immediate resignation of Ms. Sonya Momchilova, a member of the Council for Electronic Media appointed by the presidential institution and currently serving as the chairperson.
The specific reason for our insistence is Ms. Momchilova's comments regarding the work of journalist Maria Chereshova on the international investigation into the unregulated use of force and inhumane and degrading treatment by Bulgarian border authorities towards individuals who have crossed the country's border illegally and are seeking protection. Bulgarian society is aware, at least through the public statements of the BHC, that such cases of unlawful actions by Bulgarian law enforcement agencies towards migrants in our country are not isolated incidents. They usually occur with impunity, and their official spokespersons typically deny and cover up these unlawful actions. Therefore, this is a matter of significant public interest, and Bulgarian journalists not only have the right but also the obligation to raise these issues.
In her social media profile, Ms. Momchilova posted a comment that she later deleted hours later. In this comment, Maria Chereshova was personally accused of lacking "basic journalistic standards" and "incompetence." The comment also insinuated that the Association of European Journalists - the organization in which Chereshova is involved - should distance itself and criticize the work of her colleague. The post questioned the credibility of the report and criticized it for not seeking the viewpoint of the affected party (in this case, the Ministry of Interior and, specifically, the Border Police). It also suggested that the journalist had been pre-motivated for her work "somewhere in the Schengen expanses," making a reference to Bulgaria's repeated denial of entry into the Schengen area.
Such insinuations and comments are absolutely unacceptable for any self-respecting journalist. However, when they come from a person who chairs a media regulatory body, they are also dangerous. Ms. Momchilova's insinuations against Maria Chereshova are, in fact, a direct threat to all journalists working in media outlets falling under the control of the Council for Electronic Media (CEM). By revealing her personal interpretation of professional standards in journalism, Momchilova warns journalists in electronic media not to expose irregularities by the state authorities.
Mrs. Momchilova demonstrates a lack of journalistic competence and ethics, as well as a lack of understanding of the principles of freedom of expression. Therefore, her presence in the composition of the Bulgarian media regulator is entirely unacceptable.