IHT: Protesters demand end to 'abuses' of Macedonians in Bulgaria
Protesters demand end to 'abuses' of Macedonians in Bulgaria
SKOPJE, Macedonia: Demonstrators in the Macedonian capital demanded on Friday that Bulgaria end alleged abuses and respect the rights of Macedonians living in the Balkan country. Around 100 people protested in front of the European Union Mission office and the Macedonian Parliament in Skopje following allegations of police torture and threats against leaders and members of the political party of Macedonians in Bulgaria, OMO Ilinden-Pirin. Organizers of the protest condemned what they called the "intimidation, illegal detentions, and police raids on apartments without court orders" against OMO Ilinden members. They also called on the parliament and European organizations to condemn Bulgaria.
Reports in the Macedonian media accused the Bulgarian authorities of abuses after the European Court for Human Rights ruled, in Oct. 2005, that Macedonians in Bulgaria were entitled to register their own political party.
