Bulgaria's Top Prosecutor Says Yes on Anti-mafia Tribunal

Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor, Boris Velchev, is against the idea to have the future special tribunal try corruption cases. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor, Boris Velchev, is a strong supporter of the idea to establish a special tribunal for speedy organized crime trials.

The statement was made by Velchev Thursday in the Parliament, where he had a hearing to account for the work of his office in 2009.

The Chief Prosecutor, however, voiced the opinion such court should not try cases of abuse of power and focus on the underworld.

According to Velchev, the tribunal must be established ASAP and examine only high-profile criminal cases related to kidnappings, human trafficking, illegal drug trade, and money laundering.

"When, however, there are expectations this court would counteract corruption practices of certain individuals, they would steer it away from the very foundation behind the idea to have such institution. We would not resolve any issue if we give those magistrates 10 additional cases against some employees," the Chief Prosecutor stated, adding the authority of the tribunal can be expanded after the magistrates prove their abilities.

The establishing of an anti-mafia court has been advertised widely by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov as a way to tackle the high-profile cases of corruption, abuses, and organized crime.

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