# Bulgarian National Security Service controversies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-national-security-service-controversies > Updated: 2026-10-22T17:11:00.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 2. The Bulgarian National Security Service (NSS/NSO) has faced scrutiny following two separate incidents involving its personnel. In early October, Alexey Pashovski, a high-ranking official responsible for the security of the Boyana Residence, was detained following a domestic dispute. While reports varied on whether the incident involved a physical assault or death threats, the Military Prosecutor's Office ultimately declined to file charges due to a lack of evidence, leading to his release. Later in the month, an NSO officer was detained by military police after an encounter with journalist Sonya Koltuklieva in Sofia. The altercation occurred in front of the Progressive Bulgaria party headquarters while Koltuklieva was attempting to interview National Assembly Speaker Mihaela Dotova. Reports indicate the confrontation began when Koltuklieva opened the door of the official vehicle containing Dotova, leading an NSO officer to push her to the ground. Koltuklieva was hospitalized with a fractured shoulder and a concussion. The event has triggered a significant political crisis, occurring just days before presidential elections. While Speaker Dotova described the encounter as “absolutely unacceptable,” various political parties, including GERB and DPS, have accused her of failing to show sufficient concern for the injured journalist and have demanded her resignation. Following President Iliana Yotova’s condemnation of the officer’s actions as “unacceptable and disproportionate,” NSO Director Emil Tonev has resigned from his position. The officer involved, Lieutenant Martin Varadinov, was detained for questioning and appeared before the Sofia Military Court. The court recently decided not to impose a measure of detention, allowing him to be released pending further proceedings. The NSO has launched an internal investigation and ordered an immediate inspection of its officials' activities. ## Claims - An NSO officer pushed Koltuklieva while she was attempting to interview Mihaela Dotova. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Journalist Sonya Koltuklieva was hospitalized with a dislocated shoulder and a concussion. (corroborated by 22 sources) - An NSO officer was detained and appeared for questioning. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Political parties have demanded the resignation of Mihaela Dotova and the NSO head. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The NSO has ordered an immediate and detailed inspection of its officials' activities. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The incident occurred in front of the Progressive Bulgaria party headquarters. (corroborated by 11 sources) - A pre-trial proceeding has been established regarding the case. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Mihaela Dotova expressed regret for the incident and called it absolutely unacceptable. (corroborated by 7 sources) - NSO head Emil Tonev has submitted his resignation. (corroborated by 7 sources) - President Iliana Yotova condemned the NSO officer's reaction as unacceptable and disproportionate. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Mihaela Dotova is considering resigning from her position as Speaker of the National Assembly. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Bulgarian NSO head resigns after security officer injures journalist Bulgarian NSO head Emil Tonev resigned after an officer injured journalist Sonya Koltuklieva during a confrontation with Parliament Speaker Mihaela Dotsova in Sofia. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalist-sonya-koltuklieva-hospitalized-after-clash-with-security-guard ### 2026-10-06: National Security Service official detained for domestic violence An official from Bulgaria's National Security Service, responsible for the Boyana Residence, was detained following reports of domestic violence and death threats against his wife. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-security-service-official-detained-for-domestic-violence --- Cite as: Bulgarian National Security Service controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-national-security-service-controversies