site.btaPrime Minister Zhelyazkov: Time for Adjustment Between Interior Ministry's Political and Professional Leaderships Ended Long Ago

Addressing the case in which a 36-year-old man died after he was taken in custody, a Council of Ministers’ press release on Thursday quoted Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov as saying that “the time for analysis, the time for adjustment between the political and professional leaderships of the Interior Ministry ended long ago. By now, there should have been such synergy that would address all public sentiments, public reactions to cases similar to the one in Varna.” 

The Prime Minister pointed out that the state is the only public organization with the right to exercise repression, but only in line with the laws of the country. And according to Bulgarian law, the use of physical force and auxiliary means is allowed only in case of “absolute necessity”. CCTV footage shows no necessity for the use any form of physical force, Zhelyazkov added.

The Prime Minister has ordered a thorough inspection on the case to be carried out by the end of Friday, both in the Interior and Health Ministry. “We will not interfere in the investigation, we will not comment on issues related to criminal liability,” but those responsible must face administrative, disciplinary, and political consequences.