diff --git a/src/bot/handlers/message.py b/src/bot/handlers/message.py
index d2fc497..92c6584 100644
--- a/src/bot/handlers/message.py
+++ b/src/bot/handlers/message.py
@@ -120,9 +120,16 @@ def _format_error_message(error_str: str) -> str:
         )
     else:
         # Generic error handling
+        # Escape special markdown characters in error message
+        # Replace problematic chars that break Telegram markdown
+        safe_error = error_str.replace("_", "\\_").replace("*", "\\*").replace("`", "\\`").replace("[", "\\[")
+        # Truncate very long errors
+        if len(safe_error) > 200:
+            safe_error = safe_error[:200] + "..."
+
         return (
             f"❌ **Claude Code Error**\n\n"
-            f"Failed to process your request: {error_str}\n\n"
+            f"Failed to process your request: {safe_error}\n\n"
             f"Please try again or contact the administrator if the problem persists."
         )