OMO “Ilinden” – Pirin, the leading association of Macedonians in Bulgaria, responded to President Rumen Radev, who labeled them as “separatists”, and stressed that such statements are irresponsible.
“Radev’s statement is a lie and slander. It is shameful for all, since when it comes from a President, its shame falls on all citizens. So far, no Macedonian organization, or a Macedonian in Bulgaria, was charged, tried or sentenced for separatist activities. The false allegation of separatism is used to justify the systemic discrimination of the Bulgarian citizens of Macedonian identity. This has been noted in 14 verdicts reached by the European Court of Human Rights. Discrimination of Macedonians in Bulgaria has been reflected in every report on human rights in Bulgaria prepared by an international organization over the past 18 years, which prompted Bulgaria to be placed under an increased monitoring by the Committee of ministers,” the organization said in a press release.
The discrimination of Macedonians in Bulgaria, as the organization claims, has been reflected in every report of an international human rights institution regarding Bulgaria in the past 18 years, and therefore the country has been placed under increased monitoring in the Committee of Ministers.