Investigative journalist who stars in Bafta-nominated film ‘banned’ from event by police due to ‘public security risk’-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev said he and his family are not allowed to attend the Baftas (Picture: Getty Images/AFP)

Bulgarian journalist Christo Grozev has claimed he and his family have been ‘banned’ from attending the Baftas on Sunday due to ‘a public security risk.’

The investigative journalist features in the film Navalny, which is nominated in the best documentary category.

Navalny explores the story of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and events related to his 2020 poisoning.

The flick sees Grozev explain how he and fellow investigative journalist Maria Pevchikh revealed the details of the poisoning plot that indicated involvement from Russia.

Grozev wrote on Twitter on Friday, two days before the event: ‘I was surprised to discover that my whole family and I have all been banned by British police from attending this weekend’s Bafta awards where the documentary #Navalny is nominated. The reason stated: we “represent a public security risk”.’

He added: ‘I understand the need to keep the public safe (although I don’t understand how my son or teenage daughter constitute risk to the public). But moments like this show the growing dangers to independent journalists around the world.

He stars in the film Navalny, which is nominated in the best documentary category (Picture: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

‘These dangers don’t stem just from murderous dictators, but also from having journalists’ voices hushed – instead of amplified – by the civilised world they are trying to serve.’

Responding to his tweet, the Metropolitan Police said: ‘For obvious reasons, we don’t give details of security arrangements or advice on Twitter. We’re in ongoing contact with Bafta.’

Grozev is the lead Russia investigator with Bellingcat – an investigative journalism group specialising in fact-checking and use of open source intelligence and social media investigation techniques.

The Bafta awards ceremony is set to take place at London’s Southbank Centre on February 19.

In response to Grozev’s series of tweets, Tory MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Alicia Kearns tweeted: ‘I’ve raised with ministers – you are not the security risk.’

More: Trending

In a statement given to the PA news agency regarding security at Sunday’s ceremony, Bafta said: ‘The safety of all our guests and staff at the ceremony is always our highest priority, and we have robust and appropriate security arrangements in place every year.’

Bafta also confirmed that Diane Becker, Shane Boris, Melanie Miller, and Odessa Rae will be attending the event as nominees for Navalny.

Grozev is not currently publicly listed as attending.

Metro.co.uk has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Austin Butler reveals surprise plus one to Oscars and Baftas – and it’s not girlfriend Kaia Gerber

MORE : Bafta-bound Alison Hammond wants to host a talk show

Entertainment – MetroRead More