Bulgarian Judge Disagrees with Detention of NSO Officer

Atanaska Disheva, a member of the Supreme Judicial Council, has criticized the recent detention of a National Service for Protection (NSO) employee, describing it as an unnecessary repressive measure. Speaking regarding an incident captured on video, Disheva stated that detention should only be utilized when legal grounds exist, such as a risk of the suspect fleeing or obstructing an investigation.

Disheva noted that because the individual is an employee of the NSO, the legal requirements for detention were not met in this instance. She emphasized that further procedural steps, such as interrogations, are necessary to clarify the circumstances of the incident. The judge highlighted the need to determine if the use of force was provoked and whether the employee's conduct was appropriate given the situation and their official powers.

Additionally, Disheva remarked that the executive branch should not impose conditions on the judiciary. Her comments follow recent law enforcement activities in Sungurlare, Belitsa, and involving the mayor of Kardzhali, which the Prime Minister characterized as the beginning of a broader crackdown on crime and corruption.