Contributed by: Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation, Bulgaria National VAW Monitor

The fine for any indication of discrimination is between 250 and 20 000 Leva. This was announced by Aneli Chobanova, member of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination, during the informational seminar "The Discrimination is Weakness.” The forum took place in Varna Free University, "Chernorizetc Hrabar".

The initiative is part of the project "Discrimination is a Crime," funded by the European Commission. Authors of the forum are the Bulgarian Association for Personal Alternative, the Department of the European Commission in Bulgaria, and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination, the press center of the University announced yesterday.

The representatives of the Bulgarian Association for Personal Alternative explained that their efforts are directed mainly toward young people because they are the least informed about their rights. "Every one should defend their rights and seek the help of the competent authorities. The cases which we conduct are free, as well as the legal consultations,” she added.

Varna Free University was represented by Professor Boyan Stankov, who spoke about the problems with discrimination in Bulgaria. Students of the University took part in the discussion.

Compiled from: Between 250 to 20 000 Leva Is the Fine for Discrimination, Dnesplus.bg, 13 May 2008.