Journalist faces three years in prison for using concealed camera

2003 news

2002 news

Additional information:

The journalist George Buhnici from the Romanian privately-owned stattion Pro TV was arrested on November 16 on the Dunav Most border checkpoint for filming with a concealed camera in a duty-free shop on the Romanian-Bulgarian border. He faces up to three years in prison under Bulgarian law for using special technical devices.

Buhnici was arrested along with his driver, Ovidiu Pavel. Pro TV said Buhnici used a mini-camera concealed in a cigarette packet to film in the duty-free shop. Bulgarian customs officials seized the camera and the video recording. The driver was released a few hours later, but Buhnici was placed in police custody in Ruse.

The filmed material is being examined by the Sofia Prosecutor's Office in order to determine what charges can be brought against him. Article 339(a) of Bulgaria's Penal Code provides for up to three years imprisonment for using "special technical means to secretly acquire information" without specific authorisation. A concealed camera is regarded as such a tool.

George Buhnici's detention was extended to 72 hours; after this he will be charged. It is expected he will not be detained under remand.

The organisation Reporters Without Frontiers has called for Mr. Buhnici's immediate release.

"This journalist is the victim of an absurd and archaic law which stipulates a punishment of utterly disproportionate severity for the use of a hidden camera, which is nonetheless a common practice by investigative journalists, Reporters Without Borders said in a letter to Bulgarian chief prosecutor Nikola Filchev.

"We call on you to do everything possible to secure Buhnici's immediate release," the press freedom organisation added.

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