The protesters in support of Deborah and the 'Awakening Women' are the new 'Person of the Year'

The protesters in support of Debora Mihaylova from Stara Zagora and Foundation Buditelkite are the recipients of the prestigious Person of the Year award in the 16th edition of the event organized by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee. After 18-year-old Debora was attacked and disfigured in her home, thousands took to the streets of Bulgarian cities, declaring that citizens would be uncompromising in seeking justice. As a result of this civic energy, the parliament was forced to adopt long-delayed amendments to the Domestic Violence Protection Act. The Budilnik Foundation provides systematic assistance to people experiencing domestic and gender-based violence. Their foundation unites many organizations working for a society where domestic violence is unacceptable and brings together responsible institutions, the NGO sector, and lawmakers for necessary legislative changes.Бяха раздадени и няколко специални приза:

1. The Advocate of the Year was awarded to the Bridges Community. Bridges works for a better life for people with special needs. They are a key participant in the association of organizations that won reimbursement for all malnourished patients from the Health Insurance Fund.
2. Perseverance and courage were acknowledged for Darina Koilova and Liliya Babulkova. The two are a same-sex couple married in the UK. Due to Bulgaria's refusal to register their marriage, they brought a case before the European Court of Human Rights, which compelled our country to create a legal framework for same-sex relationships.
3. The Lone Warrior is a Warrior is posthumously awarded to Assoc. Prof. Petar Shurulinkov. Shurulinkov was involved in creating dozens of protected areas. The Durankulak Repatriation Camp is founded on his idea. He is an active participant in the fight to preserve Bulgarian forests.
4. Inspiration is for Mira Stefanova. Mira has survived domestic violence and has paid an incredibly high personal price after refusing to accept the role of a voiceless victim. She is dedicated to helping every child and girl who goes through this hell. She provides assistance to dozens of children living in poverty.
5. Journalist of the Year is won by Maria Chereshova. Chereshova was part of an international investigation that revealed how Bulgaria holds migrants in inhumane conditions at the border before expelling them back to Turkey. Due to her work, Chereshova faced verbal attacks, including from state institutions.
6. The first Knight of Truth is Hristo Grozev. Grozev exposed the work of Russia's state department, which persecutes and kills opponents of Putin's regime. Due to his work, he was forced to flee Bulgaria and go into hiding, as he is a target of the same structures shown in his investigations. You can watch a recording of the ceremony on YouTube here.