It’s the first footage of an asylum seeker being hit with live fire at the EU border. Following a joint investigation by Sky News, Lighthouse Reports, The Times, Le Monde, ARD Studio Wien, Domani and RFE/RL Bulgaria. Footage taken on October 3 near the Bulgarian-Turkish border fence shows 19-year-old Abdullah El Rustum falling to the ground after a bullet went through his arm and into his chest. He claimed he was shot by Bulgarian border officials after they caught his group entering the country illegally and pushed them back into Turkey. “A green vehicle with two Bulgarian officers appeared, came towards us and [they] started shooting in the air. They shot twice in the air and then started shooting right in front of us on the ground,” he said. “We were still not afraid and continued to argue that this is not acceptable. ‘Why did you do this?’ After that, they hit me by shooting me straight.” He added: “The way he shot at me was direct and he intended to kill me.” Bulgaria is part of the European Union and hopes to become a member of the Schengen area, which allows people to move freely across borders within it. The country is often used as a gateway to reach other European countries. Image: Mr El Rustum claims he was shot by Bulgarian border officials Women were searching in a “sexual” way Mr El Rustum claims a fight broke out when border guards searched women in the group in a “sexual” manner. Mobile phone footage shows the group of asylum seekers throwing stones at the border fence on the Turkish side and swearing. The tension then builds and a loud bang suddenly echoes through the forest. Image: A Land Rover Discovery is seen in mobile phone footage known to be used by Bulgarian border forces The person shooting is not clearly visible, but it is known that in addition to the refugees, the Bulgarian border forces were also present at the scene. As part of the investigation, the footage was sent to Steven Beck, a sound forensics expert, for analysis. He analyzed the waveform and spectrum of the file and determined that it was consistent with a muzzle blast from a small firearm fired in the direction of the person recording. Image: The sound waveform of the gunshot was consistent with a muzzle blast from a small firearm. Photo: Beck Audio Forensics Refugees “threw stones” In the video, the person filming is facing the Bulgarian border. Photos released by Bulgaria’s interior ministry show damage they say was caused by stones thrown by refugees. According to her statement, a border police officer of the Sredets Border Police Station was injured by a stone. Image: Bulgaria releases images of damage it says was caused by stones thrown by refugees The government says the group burned items and was hostile and aggressive. He says an investigation was conducted and it was determined that “no shots were fired from our end.” Illegal immigration is a huge problem for Bulgaria. Image: Bulgaria claims a border police officer from the Sredets border police station was injured by a stone Read more on Sky News: Braverman vows to do ‘whatever it takes’ to tackle Channel crossings Albanians ‘should be banned’ from seeking asylum in the UK From the beginning of the year to November 27, 153,460 people attempted to cross the Bulgarian-Turkish border, four times higher than last year’s period, according to official figures. “Attack by third country nationals against GDBP [General Directorate Border Police] Officers have increased significantly recently,” the Bulgarian interior ministry claimed, adding that border guards at the fence were attacked with stones and flammable objects, injuring colleagues and damaging property. According to the statement, two Interior Ministry officers were recently killed while trying to stop a bus carrying illegal immigrants in the city of Burgas. “Disturbing pattern of threats” The increase in illegal immigration has also raised concerns about people being turned away illegally. Earlier this year, the UN refugee chief warned of a “disturbing pattern of threats, intimidation, violence” at the EU’s central and south-eastern borders. Pushbacks “entail a variety of state measures aimed at forcing refugees and migrants out of their territory, hindering access to applicable legal and procedural frameworks,” according to the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights. We traveled to the area near where Mr. El Rustum was shot to try to find people crossing into Bulgaria. It didn’t take long for him to see signs of asylum seekers on the move. We found patches of land littered with bottles, energy drinks, clothes and some Syrian snacks, makeshift rest areas before the long trek through the dense forests ahead. Image: Refugees allegedly threw stones at a Bulgarian border force vehicle “It’s better than being dead” We came across a terrified group of Syrians who told us they hoped for new futures in Europe as they fled the war back home. After gaining their trust, they told us their stories. A 15-year-old showed us scars on his side and head that he said he got from being beaten by Bulgarian authorities during a failed crossing. This was his eighth attempt. “Once we crossed the fence and the Bulgarian police arrested us and started beating us,” he said. “They unleashed dogs on us and then sent us back naked in shorts.” He claimed to have seen someone shot in the leg by Bulgarian authorities two weeks ago after they tried to escape. Others in the group spoke of systematic abuse. A man named Kenan once said he was in a group that was captured and driven into a forest. “They put us in a hut and stripped us. Then they left us with a dog.” We asked if he feared further violence in his next attempt. “It’s better than death. It’s better than death,” he said, referring to the fighting in Syria. Image: Kenan once said he was in a group that was captured and driven into a forest “More must be done” And that’s the reality – fleeing war at home, most will risk being hit abroad. The European Commission told Sky News that all border management must be based on respect for human dignity and the principle of non-refoulement. Any allegations of violence or pushbacks are to be investigated by national authorities, according to Anitta Hipper, the European Commission’s spokesperson for home affairs. At a meeting at the end of November, EU interior ministers discussed the situation on all migration routes and the challenges posed. “In recent years, we have taken a series of measures to jointly address the migration challenges we face,” said Vit Rakusan, the Czech interior minister, representing the EU Council Presidency. “However, more can and must be done to find more sustainable solutions and adapt to the ever-evolving situation.” The Bulgarian government denies the allegations, saying it follows international and domestic laws, adding that aggression against border officials is increasing. “Bulgarian security forces, with the help of Frontex, are on the front line every day to protect all European citizens,” the interior ministry said. But the accusations are disturbing – threats, violence and intimidation are regularly carried out on the edge of Europe. Additional reporting by Dorothee Thiesing, Europe producer, and Adam Parker, OSINT editor.
