PRESS RELEASE
The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) applauds the motion of the new Ombudsman, Konstantin Penchev, to protect the rights of the vulnerable Roma community by challenging their possible forceful eviction from their homes in the town of Petrich in Southern Bulgaria.
We believe that this exemplary human rights act marks an admirable start for a promising term of office for Konstantin Penchev. It is noteworthy that the Ombudsman intervenes on his own motion to protect the rights of this unpopular minority, and on an issue that public opinion is strongly opposed to – the so called Roma “ghettoes”.
It does Mr. Penchev credit that he thus chose to publicly announce his future human rights role. The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee supports him in his efforts to defend underprivileged and marginalized communities.
