Fri, Feb 10 2012
Chief Mufti Mustafa Alish at a meeting with Boiko Borissov in November 2008.
Photo: Nikolai Doichinov
Swiss government is urging people to reject the controversial ban proposed by the Swiss People’s Party, the largest party in parliament, which sees minarets as divisive political symbols and signs of an increasing Islamic presence in Switzerland.
Muslims make up 12.2 per cent of Bulgaria’s population; of the Muslims in Bulgaria, up to 15 per cent are Shia. Europe has 38 million Muslims, five per cent of its population.
Hotbed of radical Islam or a theatre stage that got everyone in Bulgaria from the President and Prime Minister downwards talking? The drama around a monument ‘to an unknown Turkish soldier’ and a Muslim party that became a national preoccupation.
Allegations that radical Islam is infiltrating Bulgaria fuel the existing fear and loathing of Muslims that is the legacy of Ottoman rule and more recent demonising of Muslims
Annual assessment says Bulgaria 'generally respects' human rights but finds problems in several areas
Religion, politics and the internet formed a potent mixture following the expressed desire of the Chief Mufti's Office in Bulgaria to build a second mosque in Sofia. The idea that Muslims in Sofia would have a second place of worship was first mooted on November 17 at a meeting between Sofia mayor Boiko Borissov and a delegation of the Chief Mufti's Office (CMO).
Sofia councilors from ultra-nationalist Ataka party will demand a referendum in the city on the planned construction of a second mosque in the Bulgarian capital. Their argument is that Muslims in Sofia have one mosque and that is more than enough, and Sofia does not need a "centre for Islamic education" in the words of Ataka leader Volen Siderov.
Ahmed Yusein, the deputy chairperson of the parliamentary human rights and religious committee, has requested an extraordinary meeting with Interior Minister Mihail Mikov about the recent spate of vandalism against mosques around the country. Yusein was quoted by Dnevnik daily as saying that although Bulgarian Muslims have enjoyed harmonious relations with other religious groups for hundreds of years,
Bulgaria's constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, the law prohibits the public practice of religion by unregistered groups. The constitution also designates Eastern Orthodox Christianity as the "traditional" religion. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom by the Government during the period covered by this report, and government policy contributed to the generally free
Bulgarian Cabinet is looking at domestic market to refinance foreign debt, but has back-up plan in place
Government and individuals come up with cash to help those hard-hit by floods and freezing weather.
The discovery was made after some of the land in a complex near Bourgas was washed away by rough seas.
No trains could cross the Danube Bridge and passengers from international trains were being taken to the city of Rousse by road transport.
Hazardous weather warnings across the country on February 9, new record-low temperatures, and three people reported frozen to death in Pernik.
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Leonard, What the hell do you mean that their hearts are in the right place? Do you support these Mosque burnings and if so why? This is the last thing Bulgaria needs is a division between it's people. If this is your position then shame on you. You are part of the problem not the solution. I know that Bulgarians and Turks have a long history of hatred towards each other but this was so long ago, it's time to move on and fight for the rights for all Bulgarians, Turks alike. They are just trying to get along in [...]
Read the full comment a country where there are enough problems and don't need this kind of hatred. If I misunderstood you then you have my apologies. But all Bulgarians should be condeming this kind of behavior. THis people are not terrorist, they are Bulgarians, same as you. I think the Govt needs to use all of the resources available to find out who is doing this and set an example of how unexceptable this is and should not be tolerated.
Cant see a problem here, just make sure you dont burn down the local pub.
This is very dangerous game, played by some Bulgarian-Turkish politics, who have been involved in economic crime. They are under investigation and now they want to distract the attention.
Nice to see some people with their heart in the right place.