In a world full of hatred more than ever, this judgment, ten years after the attacks took place, comes on time.

I remember how real these threats felt, months and even years after. My son was 2½ years old in January 2015, but even now he recalls how, for years, I warned him to look out for attackers when leaving my office. I know how thin the line is between words and actions — and above all, I was terrified of putting him in danger.

I clearly remember the moment I followed a “being tagged” notification on Facebook and the shock of seeing thousands of people wishing me the worst. It came out of the blue: they were sharing an interview with me that dated back two years. Refugees were not in the media spotlight at that moment, and I was not in the public eye. I was simply doing my everyday job.

I remember calling Margarita from BHC and asking her for joint action. This case would never have come this far without her support. I thank her and the legal team at BHC, Krasimir, Adela and Radi, for leading it!

I also remember how the other target of the attacks, my friend Lydia, managed to uncover by herself the authors of the Facebook groups and the website dedicated to hating us. We gave their names and all the data to the police. The police immediately identified the persons — and did nothing. It felt as though they approved that we were being treated that way.

That is why I am grateful for this unanimous judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. I wish human rights defenders did not have to go through such hell, but here is a glimpse of justice — and a hope they can hold on to.

P.S. The photo is from my last birthday – a bouquet from my wonderful team at Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR), reminding that love is stronger than hate.

Link to the Court's decision: https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/?i=001-244721