Protest organised in defense of Bulgarian journalists

The Association of European Journalists - Bulgaria has called on journalists in the country and citizens to join a protest in solidarity with the hosts of the morning block on bTV, Maria Tsantsarova and Zlatimir Yochev. The action has been announced for 6:00 p.m. this evening in front of the media headquarters.

The reason is information spread about the removal of the two journalists as hosts of the block. Tsantsarova has been subject of political attacks for years, AEJ points out. They add that they have not been able to contact a representative of the television station to officially confirm the changes, but according to their information, the news was reported in the editorial office. We are concerned about the risk of another "emptying of seats" for critical voices on the Bulgarian national airwaves, the association says.

The claims that Maria Tsantsarova and Zlatimir Yochev have been released are not true, bTV stated in its position. They also indicated that they are in dialogue with Tsantsarova and are discussing opportunities to develop the program content with her active participation in the new year, which is standard practice.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Photo: Facebook/Zlatimir Yochev