US INL Assistant Secretary Backs Bulgaria's 'Mafia' Tribunals

US INL Assistant Secretary, David Johnson (r), met with Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, as part of his official trip to Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

David Johnson, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, voiced the full support of his government for the establishment of the so-called “mafia tribunals.”

The idea to have specialized courts dealing with high-profile organized crime and issuing faster verdicts belongs to the ruling center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party and has stirred lots of controversy with the opponents saying these tribunals will make judges dependent on the executive power.

Johnson, who met with Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, Monday pointed out that specialized courts in different sectors can play crucial role in the fight against crime.

The US guest further promised his country would offer expert assistance for the planned judicial reform, which he defined as “impressive.”

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