(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - Bulgaria's failure to adequately investigate and prosecute hate crimes is fuelling fear, discrimination and ultimately violence, says Amnesty International in a new report.

"Missing the point: Lack of adequate investigation of hate crimes in Bulgaria" documents the severe impact of hate crimes on victims and highlights how the authorities' failure to tackle entrenched prejudice against asylum seekers, migrants, Muslims and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is fuelling further violence and discrimination.

"Hundreds of people from minority groups have experienced hate crimes and many more have no confidence in the authorities to protect them," says Marco Perolini, Amnesty International's researcher on discrimination in Europe. "The Bulgarian authorities - he added - urgently have to take a strong stand and ensure they are adhering to national and international laws, ensuring human rights for all". There is no legislation in Bulgaria to prosecute homophobic hate crimes, which are currently investigated and prosecuted simply as hooligan acts.

According to a recent European Union survey, 86% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Bulgaria who had experienced violence or threats of violence did not report these incidents to the police. About a third of those who didn't report cited fear of homophobic or transphobic reactions from the Bulgarian police as the reason for their reluctance to lodge complaints. Few of those who do report hate crimes receive justice through the courts or reparation. (ANSA).