(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is urging Bulgarian authorities to review the five criminal libel convictions against Yovka Atanassova, the owner and editor of the independent local daily newspaper “Starozagorski Novini.” Atanassova was prosecuted under the provisions of the Bulgarian Penal Code (articles 146, 147, 148), which punish journalists with up to three years imprisonment for insult, […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is urging Bulgarian authorities to review the five criminal
libel convictions against Yovka Atanassova, the owner and editor of the
independent local daily newspaper “Starozagorski Novini.” Atanassova was
prosecuted under the provisions of the Bulgarian Penal Code (articles 146,
147, 148), which punish journalists with up to three years imprisonment for
insult, libel, or defamation. With 12 criminal libel lawsuits pending
against her, Atanassova has led a campaign for the repeal of these
undemocratic articles, an action now being considered by the Bulgarian
Constitutional Court.
**Updates IFEX alert of 17 April 1998**
On 16 April, the regional court in Stara Zagora confirmed Atanassova’s
five-month conditional jail sentence for libeling a local businessman. Her
sentence has to be approved by a district court in order to take effect, but
she is nevertheless required to pay one-fourth of her monthly salary to
cover the 500,000 leva fine (roughly US$400) ordered by the regional court,
as well as the 104,000 leva court fees. If Atanassova publishes any articles
deemed libelous by a court within this period, her five-month jail sentence
will be enforced immediately.
Atanassova is also scheduled to appear before the Pleven District Court on
19 May, in the matter of a criminal libel case brought by a former
prosecutor. The decision of this court will be final and appeals to the
Supreme Court can be filed only after a sentence is enforced. CPJ is
troubled that she will be jailed immediately, without a chance to appeal to
the Supreme Court, and is also concerned that the lengthy procedure for
handling appeals will mean that Atanassova will remain in jail and unable to
practice her profession.
Atanassova faces three more sentences, all under Penal Code Articles 146,
147, and 148. Provided her sentences are affirmed by the district court,
she could face imprisonment for a total of 13 months.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
criminal libel sentences against Atanassova violate the UN Human Rights
Accords, the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court for
Human Rights practices
supported by 54 Deputies thus far, to file a petition with the Parliament to
repeal Articles 146, 147, and 148
Appeals To
His Excellency Petar Stoyanov
President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Fax: +359 2 875 601/011 359 2 822 574
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
