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Bulgarian National Security Service controversies

Updated 8 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-24 02:34 UTC → 2026-10-24 15:42 UTC · added removed

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. 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. Progressive Bulgaria has defended Dotova, accusing the opposition of seeking political gain. 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. Following the incident, the The officer involved, Lieutenant Martin Varadinov, was detained for questioning. The Military Prosecutor's Office has established a pre-trial proceeding, 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 into the matter. and ordered an immediate inspection of its officials' activities.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-24 15:42 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  2. 2026-10-24 02:34 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  3. 2026-10-23 18:42 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  4. 2026-10-23 16:30 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  5. 2026-10-23 10:55 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  6. 2026-10-23 10:23 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  7. 2026-10-23 08:42 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  8. 2026-10-23 07:32 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies
  9. 2026-10-23 06:17 UTC Bulgarian National Security Service controversies

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