Bulgarian Chief Prosecutor Slams Proposed Criminalization of Carrying Gasoline in Bottles

Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev has said that the existing Penal Code gives enough opportunities for investigating arsons. Photo by BGNES

Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev has voiced disagreement with the proposal of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov that carrying bottles filled with gasoline or diesel should incur criminal liability.

Speaking before Thursday's session of the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS), he explained that the existing Penal Code and the methods for investigating arsons gave the authorities enough opportunities, without there being any need for legal amendments in the field.

Velchev, however, remained evasive when asked why the torchings continued despite the efforts of the investigating authorities.

"I do not know which arsons you mean. As far as I know, none took place last night. Besides, people have been arrested, as you well know," the Chief Prosecutor told journalists.

Ever since the spate of overnight car arsons hit Sofia, Borisov and Tsvetanov have repeatedly called for the criminalization of carrying bottles filled with gasoline or diesel.

Several days ago, the Prime Minister complained that the Penal Code had no provisions allowing the authorities to detain the suspects and press charges unless they had been caught while carrying out the arson attempt.

On Wednesday, the Interior Minister said that the police had asked filling stations to cooperate by sending information about people filling bottles with fuel.

Tsvetanov specified, however, that people filling bottles with fuel would not be automatically considered potential arsonists.

Three people have so far been detained in connection with the nearly 40 car torchings in Sofia.

Two of the suspects, Vladislav Nikolov-Kukata, 33, and Yulian Kovachki, 29, were remanded in custody and one, Radoslav Stoyanov, 27, was released on bail because he had a young child to look after, a permanent address registration, and showed willingness to pay BGN 1700 for the damages incurred .

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