Commissioner for Human Rights

Attack on Krassimir Kanev - human rights defender in Bulgaria

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Adam Bodnar sent letters to the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria Maya Manolova and the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Poland Emil Savov Yalnazov in connection with the attack on human rights defender Krassimir Kanev. He expressed his sorrow and support for the activities of Mr. Kanev.

Krassimir Kanev is a Co-Founder and Chairman of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) and a former Chairman of the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, was attacked last week in the streets of Sofia, allegedly for his work protecting human rights in Bulgaria. As was reported by BHC, there has been a sharp increase in threats and insults against its staff since 2014. BHC works actively to protect the rights of people in vulnerable situations, including Roma, Muslims, refugees, migrants and LGBT communities.

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