In a letter to all members of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) distributed on Wednesday, MRF Honorary Chairman Ahmed Dogan calls for the resignations of MRF Chair Delyan Peevski, Deputy Chairmen Halil Letifov and Stanislav Anastassov, Deputy floor leaders Hamid Hamid and Erten Anisova, and MRF Central Operational Bureau member Radoslav Revanski. Letifov, Anastassov, and Hamid too are members of the Bureau, which has a total of 24 members.
"Let the collective bodies decide whether they should remain MRF members or not. There is no other way to eliminate each arrogant attitude in our structures," Dogan says in the letter.
The letter was received on BTA's email address. The authenticity of the email was confirmed to BTA by Birshen Ibryamova.
Dogan writes that the MRF is going through a serious crisis in its organizational life. In his words, this crisis is caused by the systematic non-observance of the MRF Statute, by the gross violation of the decisions of the last MRF National Conference in February, as well as by the brutal treatment of the members of the central governing bodies, the MRF members of Parliament, the regional and municipal structures of the party.
"Never, since its establishment more than 34 years ago, has the Movement used thuggish approaches to intimidate our families, to take away people's business through the prosecution and police services. A fear psychosis is purposefully being created about people's lives, work and property. And much to my surprise, it is alleged that everything that is being done has been with my consent?! Absurd!", Dogan writes in the letter.
"In such a situation there is no basis for understanding with anyone. Folklore has a formula for such occasions in life: 'It is already too late to mend,'" he adds.
"Factually speaking, there is an attempt at an internal coup in the MRF to use party power for personal and group interests, and especially to change the political profile of the party. This process of illegitimate replacement of the MRF must be stopped categorically," Dogan further says.
"No one can steal or appropriate the MRF. Our organization is not a sole proprietorship. And therefore it cannot be owned by anyone," he points out.
"Bulgaria's civilizational choice is liberal democracy with an Euro-Atlantic orientation. The MRF has a significant share in achieving this strategic goal of the State," Dogan further notes. He adds that the MRF is also an important geopolitical factor in the Balkans. "Therefore, any serious shake-up in the ranks of the Movement has a wide public response and an international reaction of political anxiety for the stability and security of Southeast Europe," the Honorary Chairman points out.
"I am grateful for the support of everyone: from veterans and MPs to party structures, municipal mayors and youth organisations. I am especially grateful for the support of the leaders of the European liberals and our supporters and voters from the Republic of Turkiye. This circumstance convinces me yet again that I have not lost nearly 40 years of my life in vain...", Dogan writes.
"My big request to you is to let go of fear. We live in a free democratic world. Defend it!", the MRF Honorary Chairman writes. The letter ends with, "Always yours, Ahmed Dogan".
/DS/
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