Arrest over brutal murder of journalist in Bulgaria

A memorial for Bulgarian journalist Viktoria Marinova
A memorial for Bulgarian journalist Viktoria Marinova Copyright REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
By Euronews with AP
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Marinova had reported on a corruption investigation but no link has yet been established between her work and her killing.

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Bulgarian police have arrested a man as part of an investigation into the murder of Bulgarian television reporter Viktoria Marinova, whose body was found in the town of Ruse after she reported on possible government corruption.

"We have in custody a person whose alibi we are checking, but for the time being we do not have a concrete suspect. Work with him is continuing," the head of Danube regional police in Ruse, Teodor Atanasov, told reporters.

Prosecutors opened an investigation into the suspected misuse of European Unions funds on Monday, while police investigate Marinova's rape and murder. Her body was found on Saturday dumped in the Danube river.

Marinova, 30, hosted a TV show that featured two investigative journalists who were detained for their work on suspected fraud involving EU funds.

So far no link has been established between her work and her murder, although colleagues have suggested a cover-up may be taking place.

"I see deliberate attempts to marginalise this killing and manipulate the public opinion that Viktoria was a victim of a random attack or sexual manslaughter," said Assen Yordanov, founder of Bivol.bg, whose reporters were on Marinova's last show. He did not elaborate but added that she was the only journalist willing to air his team's investigation.

An interior ministry spokeswoman said the ministry may issue a statement later on Tuesday.

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