The European Court of Human Rights has confirmed that hate speech is not a political stance, but a violation of human dignity

The European Court of Human Rights’ rulings in the cases of “Budinova and Isaev v. Bulgaria” and “Asenov v. Bulgaria” represent a significant victory not only for the applicants but also for all citizens who believe that democracy cannot be built on humiliation, fear, and division.

On May 12, 2026, the European Court of Human Rights issued two judgments against Bulgaria for failing to provide effective protection against anti-Roma hate speech delivered from the parliamentary rostrum by Valeri Simeonov. The cases relate to statements made on December 17, 2014, in which the Roma community was portrayed through generalizing, hostile, and dehumanizing remarks. In the case of “Budinova and Isaev v. Bulgaria,” legal aid and representation for the applicants were provided by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.

For the Amalipe Center, this decision is an extremely important confirmation of a position we have consistently upheld for years: hate speech is not “harsh political language,” it is not an “opinion,” and it is not “patriotic concern.” When public figures use their power, platform, and media influence to portray an entire community as a threat, a problem, or a culprit, they are not merely expressing an opinion—they are creating an environment of fear, humiliation, and discrimination.

The ECHR clearly emphasizes that the state has a duty to protect citizens from discriminatory speech that affects their dignity and private life as members of a vulnerable ethnic community. This is particularly important for Roma in Bulgaria, who for decades have been the subject of stereotypes, social exclusion, and political rhetoric that often turns real problems into a convenient target for hatred.

The Court’s decision also highlights another serious problem: it is not only the politicians’ words themselves that can cause harm, but also the institutions’ failure to respond. Bulgarian courts have held that applicants must prove specific personal consequences—such as being denied employment or access to services. The ECHR, however, holds that when speech affects the dignity of people as members of an ethnic community, courts are obligated to analyze the content, context, author, scope, and impact of that speech, rather than hiding behind a formalistic understanding of freedom of expression.

The Amalipe Center has repeatedly stated that a person who uses dehumanizing language toward Roma cannot be placed at the helm of policies for ethnic and integration support. As early as 2017, the organization publicly opposed the possibility of Valeri Simeonov heading the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues—a position that today’s ECHR ruling makes even more relevant.

Today, it is important to state clearly: freedom of speech is a fundamental democratic value, but it cannot be used as a shield for racism. The parliamentary podium cannot be a place from which hatred is instilled. Political debate cannot be conducted by humiliating entire communities. And courts cannot deny people protection simply because the hate speech did not name every individual specifically.

The rulings in these two cases follow the ECHR’s 2021 practice in the cases of “Budinova and Chaprazov v. Bulgaria” and “Behar and Gutman v. Bulgaria,” in which the Court also held that Bulgaria had failed to provide effective protection against severe stereotyping and hate speech directed at minority groups. These are no longer isolated cases, but a consistent signal to the Bulgarian state: institutional inaction in the face of hate speech constitutes a violation of human rights.

The Amalipe Center calls on Bulgarian institutions to take concrete action, rather than merely treating the European Court’s rulings as yet another loss in Strasbourg. Clear standards are needed for responding to discriminatory speech by public figures, consistent enforcement of the Protection Against Discrimination Act, and training for judges, prosecutors, representatives of institutions, and political parties regarding the line between freedom of expression and hate speech.

But beyond the law lies the moral question. Every child, every family, every person must live in a society where they do not fear that their background will be used as an insult. Every Roma child must grow up feeling that they are part of Bulgaria, not that they must constantly prove their right to be respected.

The Amalipe Center will continue to work toward a society in which difference is not a cause for fear, but part of our collective strength; a society in which schools, institutions, and public life give every child the chance to dream, to succeed, and to be a respected person.

See the court’s decision of May 12 in the attached document: Forthcoming judgments and decisions 12-13.05.2026