site.btaProsecutors Dismiss "Racial Discrimination" Claim against Health Minister

Prosecutors Dismiss "Racial Discrimination" Claim against Health Minister


Sofia, February 23 (BTA) - The Sofia City Prosecution Office
(SCPO) said on Monday it has refused to open a criminal case
against Health Minister Peter Moskov over comments he made which
 were seen as discriminatory against the Roma. The claim against
 Moskov was filed by the parliamentary group of the Movement for
 Rights and Freedoms (MRF).

The Minister made the controversial comments on December 7 in
connection with attacks against ambulance workers visiting Roma
neighbourhoods. He indicated that he could order emergency
medical teams to stop visiting neighbourhoods where such
incidents occurred in the past unless their security was
provided by police, or unless local opinion leaders agreed to
take responsibility for their neighbours' conduct.

SCPO reasoned that by making these statements, Moskov was not
deliberately inspiring racial discrimination, violence, or
hatred.