Bulgarian border police shoot Moroccan migrant at EU frontier

Moroccan Migrant Shot by Bulgarian Border Police in Attempted Schengen Entry

Incident Occurs Near Turkish Border as Authorities Intercept Group of North Africans

A Moroccan undocumented migrant was shot in the shoulder by Bulgarian border police near Zvezdets, close to the Turkish border, on Thursday. This incident occurred after the migrant allegedly attempted to illegally enter Bulgaria with a group of approximately 20 other North African nationals.

According to Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry, the Moroccan man disregarded police orders and continued fleeing, prompting officers to fire warning shots before ultimately shooting him. He was subsequently transported to Burgas hospital for medical treatment.

Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over Border Violence

The Bulgaria-Turkey route represents a significant corridor for migrants aiming to reach Western Europe, often exposing them to violence from border forces and exploitation by smuggling networks.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Bulgaria’s handling of migrants, citing instances of beatings, dog attacks, and firearm use by border officers. These groups have urged the EU to investigate these alleged violations.