site.btaUPDATED GERB MP Rashidov Resigns as Culture and Media Committee Chair over Remarks on Domestic Violence

GERB MP Vezhdi Rashidov resigned as Culture and Media Committee Chair and as member of GERB’s Executive Committee on Monday after his party urged him to do so over his remarks made earlier on the day during a break in Parliament when the amendments to the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act were voted.

Unaware that a nearby microphone was switched on, Rashidov was reported as having said by various media outlets that "We have laws in place already. What are we yapping our mouths for? All the sluts woke up to remember after 15 years that they have been raped. Like with that American director who was made a fool out of".

The GERB-UDF MPs distanced themselves from Rashidov's statement. “Such language and reasoning are unacceptable for a member of Parliament, especially at a time like this,” the parliamentary group said.

Earlier on Monday Rashidov apologized about his remarks. “I understand that the language I used is unacceptable, especially in the current moment. I would once again like to apologize to the whole Bulgarian public and all domestic violence victims," he stated, as quoted by GERB in a press release.

Rashidov's remarks were made in the backdrop of protests and public discontent caused by the disfigurement of an 18 year-old girl, who was assaulted with a box cutter. In response, MPs cut their recess short and are holding an extraordinary sitting to adopt legislative changes pertaining to protection against domestic violence.

Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria parliamentary group also demanded Rashidov's resignation, as well as The Bulgarian Fund for Women.