Indicator history

The Criminal Code does not provide for a legal definition of hate speech. It only describes the type of behaviour to be punished. According to Article 162 (1) of the Criminal Code everyone who promotes or incites to discrimination, violence or hatred on the grounds of race, nationality or ethnicity through speech, print or another mass media, through electronic information systems or otherwise is liable to imprisonment of 1 up to 4 years and a fine of 5,000 up to 10,000 Levs (approximately 2,500 up to 5,000 Euro) as well as public reprimand. According to Article 162 (2) of the Criminal Code everyone who uses violence against another person or damages his/her property because of his/her race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or political convictions is liable to imprisonment of 1 up to 4 years and a fine of 5,000 up to 10,000 Levs (approximately 2,500 up to 5,000 Euro) as well as public reprimand.