Bulgarian ex-IntMin Tsvetan Tsvetanov Gives Up Immunity

Tsvetan Tsvetanov, a former Interior Minister and current Chair of conservative GERB's parliament group, has renounced his immunity, the party's press office says.

Tsvetanov has submitted a declaration to Parliament in which he agrees to have his immunity lifted.

His decision follows an announcement from Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov, who asked Parliament on Wednesday to strip five lawmakers of their immunity from prosecution.

Tsatsatov also demands the same step for MEP Sergey Stanishev and has set a letter to European Parliament President Martin Schulz.

Tsvetanov in particular is sought over three charges: including embezzlement charges, malfeasance in office, and crimes against justice, according to the press office of the prosecuting authority.

Trials on all three separate counts have been recently halted due to the former Interior Minister's present immunity as MP, which he aquired after being elected to Parliament in October.