Almost 30 years since the end of the Cold War, former Eastern Bloc nations such as Bulgaria are still struggling with Soviet ghosts, including the corruption of the legal system. That is exactly what is going on in Bulgaria, a NATO partner and strong U.S. ally. Rocked by street protests during much of last year, Bulgarians are tired of the corruption and are demanding reform of the legal system.
In this episode, GLA President Jason Poblete speaks with Dr. Radosveta Vassileva, an international lawyer speaking out against corruption in Bulgaria, and other human rights activists working to strengthen the rule of law. Radosveta has raised awareness of the rampant corruption and inadmissible human rights violations in Bulgaria. She describes her opinion that the EU Commission has abdicated its obligations and must do more to advance the rule of law. Radosveta's family has been subjected to unprecedented abuse by Bulgaria’s government.
Last week, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee said in a joint bipartisan statement that if requested, the United States will "[a]ssist Bulgaria in tackling corruption, restoring an independent media, and promoting the rule of law. The steps Bulgaria takes to address these issues will only serve to strengthen our relationship further." Jason and Radosveta discuss how U.S. economic sanctions, such as the Global Magnistsky law, can help support reform efforts in Bulgaria and other countries where the rule of law is under assault. Radosveta has been working on applying Global Magnistsky sanctions against corrupt Bulgarian officials.
Further Reading
Bulgaria, An Overview, Congressional Research Service (Jan. 13, 2021).
EU parliament chastises Bulgaria for rule of law deficiencies, Reuters (Oct. 8, 2020).
Bulgaria Expels Two Russian Diplomats Accused of Spying, The Epoch Times (Sept. 23, 2020).
Trump Meets With Bulgarian Prime Minister to Expand Strategic Partnership in Defense, Energy, and Trade, The Epoch Times (Nov. 26, 2019).
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Bulgarians Struggle with Rule of Law, Lawyers Work to Reform the System