Bulgarian investigative journalist Dimitar Stoyanov faces threat of violence

Berlin, June 24, 2026—Bulgarian authorities must thoroughly investigate reports that prominent journalist Dimitar Stoyanov is facing threats of violence linked to his reporting and act immediately to guarantee his safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.

The Bureau for Investigative Reporting and Data (BIRD), where Stoyanov works, told CPJ that two anonymous witnesses had come forward to say that a Bulgarian businessman had ordered an attack on the journalist because of his reporting on the man’s financial affairs.

“Bulgarian authorities must treat the alleged plans to violently attack Dimitar Stoyanov as an urgent threat and take immediate measures to protect him,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Authorities must conduct a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation, identify all those involved in ordering or planning any attack, and ensure that journalists in Bulgaria can conduct investigations without fear of violence or legal harassment.”

CPJ has previously documented harassment and obstruction against Stoyanov, who reports on corruption, organized crime, and alleged abuses involving public officials.  

In 2023, CPJ called on Bulgarian authorities not to obstruct or harass journalists, including Stoyanov and BIRD founder and editor-in-chief Atanas Tchobanov, after the then chief public prosecutor said he believed journalists had conspired with criminals. In 2018, CPJ documented Stoyanov’s detention by Bulgarian police while he and another journalist were investigating alleged fraud involving European Union funds.

According to BIRD, Stoyanov’s personal bank accounts were frozen in April under court-ordered precautionary litigation linked to defamation lawsuits also linked to his reporting. 

In an emailed statement to CPJ, Tchobanov said they had sent details of the latest threats to prosecutors but that there was no evidence so far of progress. 

“The combination of alleged physical threats, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), financial pressure, and institutional inaction creates a dangerous environment for investigative journalism in Bulgaria,” Tchobanov said in his statement.

CPJ emailed questions to the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office, the Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, and the businessman’s lawyer but did not receive any replies.