Bulgarian politicians demand clarity over Iliana Yotova’s pardon of drug trafficker

Bulgarian political figures and parties are demanding transparency regarding a 2022 pardon granted by Iliana Yotova, then Vice President, to Ognyan Atanasov, a convicted drug trafficker known as the ‘Petrich Escobar’. Atanasov had been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking in Greece, but was released early via pardon on the grounds of life-threatening health issues.

Asen Vassilev, leader of ‘We Continue the Change’, has criticized the decision, noting that Atanasov was released ten years before his sentence ended and was reportedly detained again in 2025 with five kilograms of cocaine. Vassilev has called for Yotova to explain the decision publicly or withdraw from her presidential candidacy.

The political group ‘Da, Bulgaria’ is also seeking access to official documents, including the pardon request, medical expert opinions, and the minutes from the Pardon Commission, to establish accountability. In response, the Presidency stated that the pardon was based on a recommendation from the Pardon Commission following a thorough review of facts and a medical assessment by a seven-member special commission. The Presidency noted that pardon decrees are not published in the State Gazette and that personal data is protected under privacy laws.