The IWMF is deeply troubled by the murder of Viktoria Marinova

The IWMF is deeply troubled by the murder of Viktoria Marinova, a Bulgarian TV journalist who was raped and killed in Danube town of Ruse.

Miranova recently conducted interviews with investigative journalist Dimitar Stoyanov looking into alleged fraud involving EU funds linked to big businessmen and politicians. The detention of the two by police while attempting to stop the destruction of documents linked to the scheme coupled with Bulgaria’s low ranking (111 out of 180) by Reporters Without Borders world press freedom index leaves serious questions about the motive for her murder, which has been perceived by some in the media in Bulgaria as a warning. Her rape is indicative of the sexualized nature of attacks agains female journalists that often include a gendered angle.

The IWMF calls for a thorough investigation of the crime and that those who are found responsible be held accountable.