Journalist Genka Shikerova target of second arson attack

Bulgarian below. The company car of bTV journalist Genka Shikerova was set on fire outside her home in Sofia shortly after midnight last night and investigators believe it was deliberately set. In September last year, the journalist’s private car was set on fire, and she later gave an interview to Reporters Without Borders. “This second attack increases our fears for the safety of Genka Shikerova, a political journalist known for her uncompromising interviews,” said Lucie Morillon, head of research at the organization. “These repeat crimes are a cause for concern and must be stopped by the police, who must do all in their power to find those responsible and bring them to justice.” Shikerova, the host of the morning show Tazi sutrin (This Morning), told Nova TV she was sure the arson attack was in no way connected to her private life. She added that she had not received any threats in the weeks before the fire. Sofia police chief Ivailo Spiridonov said on bTV the attack was most probably linked to her work as a journalist. Referring to the earlier investigation, Spiridonov said it was possible the crime was committed to order by contract criminals. Unfortunately the police investigation into the first attack was inconclusive and was closed at the end of 2013. So far neither the person who gave or the order nor the perpetrator of the attack has been identified. Photo: bTV