Plamen Kirov defends presidential pardon legality

Professor and former constitutional judge Plamen Kirov has addressed the controversy surrounding the pardon of the individual known as the ‘Petrich Escobar’. Kirov stated that the responsibility for a pardon lies with the person who signs the decree, but emphasized that the act constitutes supreme mercy rather than a judicial review of a court decision.

Kirov explained that the decision to grant the pardon was based on assessments from a medical commission and the Pardon Commission, both of which determined that the convicted individual's life was at risk. He noted that the President cannot conduct investigations and must rely on expert assessments, as the President is neither a medical professional nor a legal expert.

Furthermore, Kirov warned that the current attacks surrounding this case, specifically targeting Iliana Yotova, could lead to a practical restriction of the constitutional power to pardon. He argued that pardons are necessary in extreme life situations to allow individuals in critical health to spend their final moments with family rather than in prison.