Following incidents in Plovdiv and Bansko: The state must investigate hate, not justify it

The state has a duty to investigate acts of hate and discrimination, not to provide justifications for them, according to an opinion piece in Dnevnik. The article asserts that the refusal of politicians to recognize and condemn manifestations of discrimination, coupled with the inaction of law enforcement agencies in investigating such incidents, significantly elevates the risk of hate crimes.

Recent events in Plovdiv, where a murder occurred, and in Bansko, where unspecified incidents took place, are cited as examples that necessitate state intervention. The piece argues that when political figures shy away from denouncing discriminatory behavior and when legal authorities fail to pursue investigations, it creates an environment where such acts can fester and potentially escalate.

The publication emphasizes that a failure to address the root causes and manifestations of hate can lead to more severe consequences. It implies that a lack of accountability emboldens perpetrators and leaves vulnerable communities feeling unprotected. The core message is a call for proactive measures and a firm stance against all forms of discrimination, urging the state to uphold its responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure justice.