site.btaJustice Ministry Launches Working Group on Combating Anti-Semitism

The interdepartmental working group established at the Ministry of Justice in connection with the fight against anti-Semitism held its first meeting on Tuesday with the participation of over 30 representatives of state institutions, academia, and the Jewish community in Bulgaria. 

The aim of the working group is to prepare the necessary changes in the legal framework for the implementation of the National Action Plan for Combating Anti-Semitism for the period 2023-2027, adopted by the Council of Ministers in October 2023. According to the Plan, a review of criminal legislation on crimes motivated by prejudice, hate speech, and discrimination is envisaged, considering international human rights standards. It will also prepare proposals for legislative amendments where necessary.

At their first session, the participants defined the problem of the growing manifestations of anti-Semitism and the possible solutions from the perspective of different institutions and NGOs. 

The problems in Bulgarian society were reported as the authorities' uncertain annual stance on holding the so-called Lukov March, attempts to distort the historical truth about the period of World War II, the lack of sensitivity and ignorance about the Holocaust, even by representatives of law enforcement agencies such as police officers and magistrates, the need for more advocacy of the topic in the education system, the lack of an effective tool to curb anti-Semitism in social media, etc. Opinions were also expressed for changes in the Penal Code to differentiate hooliganism from anti-Semitism, as convictions, when they occur, count acts of anti-Semitism as hooliganism.