Bulgarian investigative journalist assaulted in Sofia

Slavi Angelov, a Bulgarian investigative journalist was assaulted by masked men late Tuesday outside his home in the country’s capital, Sofia.
Angelov works for the 168 Hours weekly newspaper. He said two masked men beat him with metal rods, while a third one was filming with his phone. They did not take any of his possessions.
His life was out of danger, but he was hospitalized with severe head injuries and underwent surgery, local media said, adding that the police believe the assault was linked to his work.
Angelov has recently reported on cases such as the acquittal of a businessman brought to court over environmental damage to a campsite, and a prostitution ring said to operate in Bulgaria and Greece. He also wrote about an investigation into a gambling tycoon, who was arrested on charges of tax fraud, attempted bribery, and racketeering.
The assault triggered outrage from journalist organisations: “The known facts lead to the conclusion that the beating was a contract one”, the Bulgaria branch of the Association of European Journalists said.
“This is the next attempt to shut the mouth – in the most brutal way possible – of a journalist who preaches the truth, looks for the truth in order to defend the freedom of speech in Bulgaria”, the chairwoman of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists said.