Bulgarian Cabinet Votes on Taming Police Brutality

Bulgaria has over 30 guilty verdicts from the European Human Rights Court in Strasbourg for cases of police brutality. File photo

The Bulgarian cabinet will vote on Wednesday amendments to the Interior Ministry Act, aimed at limiting cases of police brutality.

When there are operations requiring the use of physical force, the law enforcement authorities will be "absolutely mandated to protect the lives of detainees," instead of the current text postulating that they are required to do so "if possible."

The amendments were prepared by the Interior Ministry after Bulgaria received over 30 guilty verdicts from the European Human Rights Court in Strasbourg for cases of police brutality.

In addition, policemen will have the right to use physical force and weapons only when "absolutely unavoidable" and only "use the absolutely necessary force," according to the amendments.

The Bill will be submitted to the Parliament and it is expected to become effective on July 1.

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