2022 Year - Ilian Kuzmanov is on the Enemies of the Nation List
2023 - Multi Faith Chapel elevated by Iliyan Kuzmanov completely Destroyed
In a society grappling with the remnants of totalitarian ideologies and the resurgence of anti-Western sentiment, those who dare to challenge the status quo often face a steep price. Iliyan Kuzmanov's experience in Bulgaria serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by individuals who speak truth to power and advocate for human rights, particularly in post-Soviet countries where freedom of expression and dissent are often met with hostility.
Kuzmanov's outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights, his criticism of corruption and human rights abuses, and his promotion of individual freedoms have made him a target of hate speech and threats. His literary works, which explore themes of sexual liberation, gender diversity, and personal choice, have been labeled as "Satanic" and "Western Devil" propaganda by those clinging to traditionalist and anti-Western views. This labeling, often fueled by Russian disinformation campaigns and amplified by radical Orthodox groups, seeks to discredit Kuzmanov and silence his dissenting voice.
The vandalism of the multi-faith chapel he erected in Pazardzhik stands as a chilling example of the consequences of challenging the status quo in Bulgaria. This act of destruction, a hate crime fueled by intolerance and a desire to suppress dissenting voices, highlights the vulnerability of those who dare to promote inclusivity and challenge the dominant narratives.
Despite these challenges and threats, Kuzmanov remains steadfast in his commitment to human rights and social justice. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of individual action to create positive change. His willingness to speak truth to power, even at personal risk, underscores his courage and dedication to building a more just and equitable society.
Kuzmanov's experience serves as a reminder that the fight for human rights and social justice is often fraught with challenges and dangers, particularly in societies grappling with the legacy of authoritarianism. However, his unwavering commitment to these principles, his courage in the face of adversity, and his refusal to be silenced inspire others to stand up for what is right, even when it comes at a cost. His story is a testament to the power of individual resilience and the transformative potential of dissent in the pursuit of a better world.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev intervened with the case of Iliyan Kuzmanov. He sent an official position and a request to the town hall in Pazardzhik:
January 2023: Following the receipt of a letter from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pazardzhik, the sole official response came from District Governor Trendafil Velichkov, a former leader of the Bulgarian Youth Communists. Velichkov, known for his homophobic and radical orthodox views, has played a significant role in fostering Russian influence in the region. Rather than addressing the crime, he accused The Angel Social Group and its founder, Iliyan Kuzmanov, of attempting to tarnish Bulgaria's reputation. Authorities were alerted, with the primary allegation being that the English NGO posed a threat to Bulgaria's national security.
This raises several questions: What was Velichkov attempting to conceal? What is transpiring in Pazardzhik? How can a chapel be labeled as a creation of Satan and subsequently destroyed? The motivations behind these actions are multifaceted. They include aiding immigrant children from Afghanistan, dedicating literature to them, combating misinformation and COVID-19 antivaxxer hysteria, addressing corruption, fighting human trafficking and drug production, and writing books deemed as LGBT propaganda. Additionally, efforts to combat anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Bulgaria have been significant. While the reasons are numerous and legitimate, the focus should be on those who sought to obscure the truth of these events.
Governor Trendaphil Velichkov unveils a monument to USSR General Zhukov. Although he began his career as a leader of the Bulgarian Communist (Socialist) youth, he follows the Putin elites' tradition of ultra-religiosity. At a torchlight procession with young people in Pazardzhik.
The reality in the Bulgarian provinces reveals a facade of democracy that conceals the influence of heirs and collaborators from the former communist and totalitarian regime. The Bulgarian Socialist Party, in particular, serves as a breeding ground for the most radical communist activists and their successors, who maintain deep connections with Russia and Putin. This situation underscores the persistent and pervasive influence of historical political structures and ideologies, which continue to shape the socio-political landscape of Bulgaria.
In response to this hate crime, The Angel Social Group initiated the HYBRID CREPOST project. This initiative aims to highlight the challenges faced by pro-democratic and alternative individuals and projects in the Bulgarian provinces. These regions, often overlooked by analysts who focus on the capital and broader political theater, conceal a much darker and more alarming reality. The HYBRID CREPOST project seeks to expose these hidden issues and bring attention to the plight of those who are marginalized and oppressed in these areas.
