Justice and accountability mechanisms in Bulgaria in the transition period (1989-2008)

Transitional justice has become an issue in Bulgaria in the course of its “change” from Communism to democracy since 1989. The Communist regime had been established in the country in the mid-1940s and lasted for more than four decades. During that period there were a number of human rights violations and, after the change, society faced the question of recognizing responsibility and making amends. Logically these issues raised the need to know more about what was actually done, why and for what reason. Therefore the disclosure of secret service dossiers and the screening of public figures and candidates for public positions became important topics. The question of lustration was part of that discussion as well.

Related Subject(s): Human Rights and Refugees

Countries: Bulgaria