The Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria) has called on journalists and citizens to take part in a protest in support of bTV morning show presenters Maria Tsantsarova and Zlatimir Yochev. The demonstration is scheduled for today, December 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the parking area in front of the bTV editorial office.

The appeal follows widely circulated information that Tsantsarova has been removed as a host of the morning programme “This Morning”, with indications that her co-host Yochev has also been taken off the air. AEJ says Tsantsarova has been subjected to political pressure for years and that the organization has repeatedly defended her publicly. In recent months, according to AEJ, a sustained campaign has been conducted against her in tabloid outlets, including articles openly calling for her dismissal.

Although AEJ was unable to obtain official confirmation from bTV management, the association says it has reliable information that the decision was communicated internally to the newsroom. This lack of transparency has raised serious concerns within the journalistic community.

AEJ warns that the case risks becoming another example of the gradual removal of critical voices from national television. The organization urges bTV’s management to take a decision that serves the public interest and complies with Bulgarian legislation and European standards on freedom of expression. AEJ recalls that Bulgaria is bound by the European Media Freedom Regulation, which protects both public and private media from political interference. According to the association, the developments surrounding Tsantsarova give the impression of yet another instance of direct political pressure against independent journalism.

Journalists from bTV, colleagues from other media, and citizens concerned about democratic standards are being called on to show solidarity by joining the protest. AEJ says the demonstration is meant to send a clear signal that tolerance for political control over the media has been exhausted.

The protest is also expected to test whether bTV will cover the event live in its 7:00 p.m. main news broadcast.

Information about Tsantsarova’s removal has so far been based on unofficial sources. Neither bTV’s press office nor the newly appointed head of news and current affairs, Asen Ivanov, has publicly commented. The issue has nevertheless triggered strong reactions on social media. Political figures from “Spasi Sofia” and representatives of the journalistic community have urged the television to resist pressure and protect editorial independence. Writer Radoslav Bimbalov described the situation as part of a broader attack on free journalism in Bulgaria.

Further details later emerged confirming that the decision had been announced to the newsroom. According to sources, both Tsantsarova and Yochev have been removed, and the programme will air with different hosts from Monday. The news was first reported by “Capital”. A representative of bTV’s marketing department confirmed that a conversation had taken place with Tsantsarova but declined to comment on its content. Neither Asen Ivanov nor Tsantsarova herself responded to requests for comment.