The “Civic Virtue” award of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) this year was awarded for a cause that provoked controversial political reactions but united society. The award was received by those who protested in support of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, for defending the right to a fair trial and insisting that institutions adhere to the basic principles of the rule of law.

The prize is part of the “Person of the Year” initiative and is traditionally awarded on December 10 – International Human Rights Day. The case of Blagomir Kotsev sparked a wave of discontent and support not only in the country but also abroad. The protesters demanded transparency and equality before the law, emphasizing that civil control over institutions is key to democracy.

Yana Tsekova: "I personally attended two protests in Brussels. I saw many young people whom I had not seen so engaged in anything else. They recognized Blago as a symbol of this freedom."

Velislava Hristova: "This was a clear threat against him, and accordingly against our vote and against everything that is freedom. And at the first protest I was already very happy and calm - I saw that we have an excellent civil society."

Blagomir Kotsev – Mayor of Varna Municipality: "What this award means is precisely this energy and this readiness of the people, this courage of theirs to uphold their positions, their public interests."