Citizens Deprived of Basic Human Rights

Under the Peace Treaty signed between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers, which was ratified by the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria on 26 August 1947, Bulgaria agreed to respect the basic human rights of its citizens. According to Article 2 of the treaty, Bulgaria was required to ensure that all its citizens, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion, would enjoy fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, a free press, freedom of religion and political beliefs, and the right to public gatherings. This treaty was effective from 15 September 1947.

However, throughout the entire period of communist rule in Bulgaria (from 1944 to 1990), the communist regime systematically violated these fundamental rights, disregarding the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Violations Under the Communist Regime

Despite the treaty’s provisions, the communist regime did not honor the rights guaranteed by the Peace Treaty or international human rights standards. Instead, it engaged in widespread violations, such as suppressing freedom of speech, restricting the press, and silencing opposition. The government used state-controlled media to manipulate public opinion, and dissidents were either imprisoned or sent to labor camps. The freedom of assembly was also restricted, and anyone who attempted to challenge the regime faced serious consequencesPersonal Istanbul Tours.

Human Rights in East Germany

In 1977, Erich Honecker, the First Secretary of the German United Socialist Party and the head of state of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), made a statement claiming that there were no human rights issues in the GDR. He said, “There may be no human rights activists in the German Democratic Republic because all human rights are fully observed in this country.” Despite this claim, many citizens in the GDR still tried to escape the oppressive regime, and the number of people attempting to legally leave the country increased every year.

The Expatriation Movement in East Germany

By the late 1970s, a movement began to form in East Germany, called the “Voting on a Request for Expatriation”. This movement was primarily made up of young people who were trying to leave the German Democratic Republic for a better life. Despite the regime’s claims that human rights were respected, many East Germans felt trapped and sought to escape. According to Robert Havemann, a prominent critic of the regime, the movement had grown to 120,000 members by 1976, and by 1977, the number had reached an estimated 200,000.

The communist regimes in both Bulgaria and East Germany were responsible for widespread violations of human rights. While the government officials in both countries claimed to uphold human rights, the reality was far different. Citizens faced constant surveillance, imprisonment, and suppression of their basic freedoms. Movements like the Expatriation Movement in East Germany showed the growing frustration and desire for freedom among young people. These events highlight the contrast between the regime’s promises and the lived reality of the people under their control.