Although Bulgaria is now a part of the European Union, there are still serious concerns regarding religious freedom in that country, particularly in relation to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. On July 21, 2004, under orders from the Prosecutor General, Bulgarian police invaded Bulgarian Orthodox churches and monasteries across the country and forcibly dragged out more than 160 dissenting priests, many of whom were in the midst of officiating church service. The case is currently being considered by the European Court of Human Rights, but in the meantime the priests are barred from their churches and monasteries.
Persecution News - Bulgaria