Protests Emerge After Bulgaria Court Calls Attack On Woman 'Mild'

In Bulgaria, thousands of people have taken to the streets in a rare display of public protest against violence against women. The demonstrations, which occurred in Sofia and other cities across the country, were sparked by a shocking case involving a teenager who suffered a horrific attack.

The 18-year-old woman reported that her ex-boyfriend had cut her hundreds of times, broken her nose, and shaved off her hair. However, the court in Stara Zagora, where the case was heard, categorised the injuries as "light" and did not order the 26-year-old perpetrator to be detained. The incident and the court's response have triggered widespread outrage, leading to a public demand for justice and an end to violence against women in Bulgaria.

Woman Attacked By Ex

Under the mounting pressure from the public outcry, the authorities have taken the man into custody, albeit not for the physical attack itself but for sending threatening text messages to the victim. The protesters, who gathered on Monday, called for significant reforms within the judicial system and better safeguards for women, expressing their message through posters that read, "Not a single woman more."

Amidst the demonstrations, Emilia Stoyanova, a 39-year-old human resources professional, voiced her shock over how the court classified the severe injuries as "mild bodily injury." The sentiment among the protesters was that the court's reaction was deeply disturbing. Another protester, a 33-year-old painter who identified himself as Ivan, emphasised the urgent need for a change in society's approach to domestic violence and the functioning of institutions. He highlighted that, though some progress has been made, further involvement from society is crucial to bringing about lasting change. 

According to police statistics, in the first three months of this year, eighteen women were tragically killed, with suspicion falling on men they knew. However, activists believe that the actual number of victims may be much higher.

These activists have been advocating for legislative amendments that would offer better protection to women facing abuse from their current or former partners. A significant point of contention has been Bulgaria's refusal to ratify the Istanbul Convention, a vital international agreement designed to safeguard women from violence.

In June, the European Union took the step of joining the convention, which means that certain obligations of the convention now apply to member states that have not yet ratified it. Bulgaria, an EU member since 2007, has been among the countries opposing ratification due to objections to the use of the term "gender" in the Istanbul Convention. This stance has further fueled the ongoing fight for women's safety and rights in the country.

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