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Alert

IPI condemns Molotov cocktail attack on TV SKAT

(IPI/IFEX) - Vienna, 5 February 2010 - The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), strongly condemns the attack on TV SKAT in Bulgaria.

On 3 February 2010, the premises of the Varna office of Bulgarian TV SKAT were attacked with a Molotov cocktail, following a similar attack on the head office of TV SKAT in Burgas just one day previously, on 2 February 2010. The perpetrators remain unknown so far.

In 2009, TV SKAT journalist Silvija Trendafilova and her colleague, cameraman Peter Georgiev, were beaten by bodyguards of a leader of a political party.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said: "SEEMO strongly condemns the threats and attacks on journalists of TV SKAT."

He added: "SEEMO is concerned about the worsening situation for journalists. SEEMO has registered many attacks and threats in Bulgaria. It is in particular very unfortunate that such incidents are still occurring despite the fact that Bulgaria is a member of the European Union. SEEMO therefore urges the Bulgarian authorities to do everything in their power to provide safe working conditions for journalists."