Journalist Gergana Petrova was detained during Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s visit to the municipality of Strumyani, prompting the prime minister to order an investigation into the actions of Interior Ministry and National Security Service (NSS) personnel.
The incident became public after footage of Petrova’s detention was shared on social media by the local website Pirinsko. The video shows three police officers attempting to place her in a service vehicle while she resists and repeatedly insists that she has done nothing wrong.
“I have done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law. This is my village,” Petrova can be heard saying. She also tells the officers, “I will not get into the car. Leave me to go home to my child.” Voices from people nearby can be heard questioning why she was being detained.
The Interior Ministry later said police had been called by NSS officers after Petrova allegedly attempted to enter an area designated for journalists during the prime minister’s visit. According to the ministry, she was repeatedly asked to show an identity document and a journalist card but did not comply.
The NSS officers then requested police assistance “to ensure safety,” the Interior Ministry said. Petrova was taken to the local district police office, where her identity was established. Authorities drew up a warning protocol for an alleged violation of public order and an administrative act under the Bulgarian Personal Documents Act because she was not carrying an identity document. She was subsequently released.
