Bulgarian PM Calls for Greater Media Freedom at Paris Unity Rally

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov during the unity rally in Paris. Photo: BGNES

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has attended the unity rally to commemorate the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack and the subsequent dual hostage crisis, which was held in Paris on Sunday.

Borisov explained that the Charlie Hebdo shooting was different from other terrorist attacks around the world in that it targeted journalists and the freedom of speech, NOVA TV reports.

He said that the participation of world leaders in the unity march signified that they all value this freedom and support it.

Dozens of world leaders also attended the march in France's capital on Sunday, where about 1.5 million people had gathered to pay tribute and to show unity.

Borisov was asked to comment on the freedom of speech in Bulgaria, which ranked 100^th in the Reporters Without Borders 2014 Press Freedom Index, and the lack of transparency in media ownership during his first government (2009-2013).

The Prime Minister stated that he has always been in favour of clarifying the ownership of media, which could be achieved through a new legislation.

Borisov said that freedom of speech in Bulgaria was such that anyone could say anything anywhere without any consequences, pointing to the variety of available media, both print and electronic.

He defined the unity march as an unprecedented reaction against the violation of free speech, which carried a message towards the rest of the world, pointing to the participation of Muslims and their religious leaders in it.

Borisov said that following talks with world leaders, it was established that all of them were concerned about the brutalities used by the enemy, which was becoming increasingly invisible.

The Prime Minister was one of the world leaders, who was in Paris on Sunday, as an act of solidarity and unity against terrorism

Through his participation in the rally, Borisov expressed Bulgaria's solidarity with France and the country's membership to the community of nations that hold freedom and democracy in high esteem.

Prior to his participation in the unity march, Borisov took part in a meeting in the Elysee Palace, where he was personally welcomed by Francois Hollande.

 

 

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