Increasing Violence Against Roma in Bulgaria

Racism and racially motivated violence against the Rima (Gypsy) minority in Bulgaria has escalated dramatically since 1994. The violence ranges from police torture to mob attacks — including violent attacks by guards employed by private security firms. Local officials are often implicated and it is very rare that those who perpetrate acts of mob violence against Rima, or the police and local officials who tolerate or acquiesce in such violence, are subject to criminal prosecution.