The latest US State Department report on the global state of human rights for 2024 notes that the situation in Bulgaria has not undergone significant changes over the past year. The document, published on the official website of the American institution, reveals several problematic areas in Bulgarian society that continue to raise concerns.
Among the most serious violations mentioned in the report are credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings, as well as cases of torture and inhumane treatment. These findings highlight the need for stricter control over law enforcement actions and improvement of human rights protection mechanisms in the country.
The report acknowledges that the Bulgarian government has taken certain measures to investigate and sanction officials involved in human rights violations. However, these efforts are often assessed as insufficient, and the problem of impunity continues to exist. This shows the need for more effective and systematic actions to combat violations and strengthen the rule of law.
A specific example cited in the report is the case in Stara Zagora, where a man who threatened a child with a knife died after a police chase and attempted arrest. The autopsy determined that death occurred as a result of suffocation. As a result of this incident, two police officers directly involved in the case, as well as two senior police officials, were dismissed. This case illustrates the need for better training of police officers and stricter protocols for the use of force.
Regarding freedom of expression, the report notes that despite constitutional guarantees, there are both legal and practical limitations. Corporate and political pressure, combined with an ineffective and corrupt judicial system, as well as non-transparent management of resources intended to support the media, seriously threaten media pluralism in Bulgaria. The case of journalist Yoan Zapryanov is cited as an example, highlighting the ongoing challenges to media freedom in the country.
The US State Department report serves as an important reminder of Bulgaria_q_s ongoing challenges in the field of human rights and the need for continuous efforts to improve the situation. It emphasizes the importance of independent judiciary, effective control over law enforcement agencies, and protection of freedom of expression as key elements for strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the country.