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"The decision for compensation to the amount of 250 thousand euro of which Kuneva should immediately receive 80 thousand euro is fair. Unfortunately, a new struggle is about to begin namely to find the employing company. Ikomet has changed its address of registration and it is uncertain whether it will be found." Christina Kopsini stresses that the amount that the Bulgarian will have to obtain is sufficient to cover the costs of her treatment by the end of next year.

"You should know that this is the first trial in connection with this case. Other claims for committing a crime against an unknown perpetrator will follow too," says the journalist. She is clear that the court decision in favour of Konstantina is a ray of hope for the employees who, through their trade union activities, want to improve the condition of the working environment.

"The union activity in Greece is considered as a luxury today. The employees themselves have reduced their requirements regarding the protection of their labour rights because of the fear that they will lose their job. From this point of view, the court decision entitles all the people who are fighting for decent work to raise their voice."

Regarding the Bulgarian, Christina Kopsini says, "Konstantina Kuneva is to fight for a long time. Her health is still in serious condition. Her eye is not restored. Her oesophagus is destroyed. The important thing in this story is for the court decision to reinvigorate the police investigation in order for us to be able to find some justice."

The facts:

Several hours before Christmas in 2008, shortly after the end of her shift at about midnight, Kuneva was attacked from behind by unknown perpetrators who forcibly poured acid into her throat and splashed her face with it. The identity and motives of the attackers are unknown. Several weeks before the attack, Kuneva had received anonymous threatening phone calls to stop her union activity. The first reaction of the Greek investigation was that this was a fight between Bulgarians and it decided not to interfere. Persons familiar with the case state that there were significant omissions in the initial investigation of the case. Kuneva's supporters are not losing hope and believe that the truth will be revealed.