Bulgarian Helsinki Committee head assaulted in central Sofia
The president of human rights group the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, Krassimir Kanev, was assaulted by two men on the morning of October 27 outside a central Sofia hotel, the committee said.
Kanev was punched in the face and stomach, after which the attackers fled down Tsar Shishman Street.
“Over the years, staff members have been repeatedly harassed and threatened because of their work in defence of human rights in Bulgaria, but so far had not reached a physical assault,” the BHC said.
The committee said that in Bulgaria, speech that promotes hatred or urging people to violence against some of the most vulnerable groups in society is “allowed, approved and even praised”.
Police told local media that a patrol was sent in response to the attack after emergency number 112 was called.
The BHC condemned the attack on Kanev and urged a thorough investigation, including checking surveillance cameras in the area.
