The Australian man allegedly came to help a Roma who was being attacked by neo-Nazis, he then had to defend himself and acted in self-defence when he killed one of the attackers and fought the other one off and injured him.
This shows again the picture of what is happening in Bulgaria against Roma. It’s gutting and unfair that a brave Australian man who came to the aid of one of our people has been locked up.
Yvonne Slee
While my heart goes out to the families of these boys, I also feel sorry for the Australian person who inflicted the fatal wounds. Although I don’t know the full story, I personally feel he will not get a fair trial for the simple fact he is a foreigner. I, myself, was recently caught up in a minor incident involving a car, no damage done. The first words the Bulgarian person uttered were “I will get you locked up”. Then followed a torrent of abuse from the other four people also present. They use these threats because they know you are a minority and vulnerable. They also know they can say what they want and you more than likely will be locked up. The word “bullies” springs to mind!
Angie Moran
Being a foreigner in Bulgaria sometimes could be very dangerous. I have been residing in the country for 10 years now and have had my own share of verbal abuse - the “Nigger” slur etc, as well as being physically attacked by a neo-Nazi group of skinheads, without police or the competent authorities doing absolutely anything to address the issue of naked racism in Bulgaria!
On New Year’s Eve I was in the company of two of my good American friends (whites) who were visiting. After the concert at the city square we were on our way to pick up a cab home, and from nowhere appeared two rough-looking skinheads. Being the only black in my group, I was the main target. I was beaten up and still nurse my wounds silently. I had a pen knife on me and would have used it to defend myself, but on second thoughts, resisted the urge.
My heart goes to the bereaved family of the dead boy, and I am sure if a concrete investigation were carried out, it would come out that those boys had attacked the Aussie guy. I pray he gets a fair trail but I doubt it. This is Bulgaria and for Bulgarians...that’s the slogan of many Bulgarians! What a shame!
Taylor
