Bulgarian MPs Vote 'For' Taming Police Brutality

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

Bulgarian Members of the Parliament passed Thursday without any debates 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."

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 new text further bans the use of life-threatening force or weapons during the detention or escape attempt of an individual who does not represent a danger for the lives and health of others. This use must be planned in advance and controlled in the course of the police operation.

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.

The law is expected to become effective on July 1.

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