Verhofstadt to call for plenary debate on rule of law and freedom in Bulgaria

"Following the shocking scenes at the weekend of an assassination attempt in Sofia against the leader of Bulgaria's Movement for Rights and Freedoms, Dr. Ahmed Dogan, I would like to express my deepest concern on behalf of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament. It was a miracle that the incident did not end up tragically and should not be dismissed lightly."

"I intend to request that the situation in Bulgaria be included in a forthcoming plenary debate."

"Such an attack on a party leader during a Congress raises broader questions on the state of democracy in Bulgaria. The MRF and its leader Dr.Dogan are offering an important political platform for many in Bulgaria. Bulgarian authorities should bring those responsible to justice expediently."

We along with the MRF strongly believe in a society based on the liberal values of freedom, human rights, respect for minorities and a pluralistic political system. Sadly this is not yet sufficiently evident in Bulgaria. We will continue to fight to ensure that these values are defended and respected in Bulgaria as well as across the Union.