Top Bulgarian Judge Resigns over Court Dependencies

The Judge from the Varna Regional Court and former MEP, Dushana Zdravkova. Photo by BGNES

Dushana Zdravkova, Judge from the District Court in the Black Sea city of Varna has issued an open letter, declaring she is resigning.

The motives, listed by Zdravkova, a former Member of the European Parliament from the now is ruling, center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party, include the recent appointment of Vladimira Yaneva, known to be a close friend of Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov, as Head of the Sofia City Court.

Yaneva was selected by the Supreme Judicial Council, VSS, among for candidates on second round.

"The selection of the Head of Sofia City Court surpassed the threshold of public and professional tolerance. It is obvious – the backbone of an entire institution has been broken, smashed, and turned into an extension of the mediocrity of Bulgarian justice," the letter reads, offering accolades to VSS members who have voted against "the next attempt to overpower the judiciary, which, under the Constitution, must be independent.

Zdravkova points out she is resigning and leaving the justice system, after many years of selfless work, for the sake of young colleagues who must learn other morals, value systems, and judge on behalf of the people and for the people.

"I appeal to all Bulgarian magistrates to oppose the latest manipulated election and support the few, but dignified VSS members, who voted against the next judge, right for those in power, but not for the citizens," Zdravkova concludes.

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