site.btaBulgarian Protection Service Launches Internal Probe Over Motorcade Video That Sparked Controversy

Bulgaria’s National Service for Protection (NSP) has launched an internal inspection following the circulation of a video on social media showing a NSP motorcade driving in the oncoming lane. The launch of the probe was announced in a NSP press release on Wednesday. The footage captured the convoy of a foreign delegation at the highest state level during an official visit to Bulgaria, according to the NSP press release.

The NSP vehicles in the footage were using lights indicating they were operating under a special traffic regime.

The video sparked an outrage by social media users, for disrupting traffic and threatening other vehicles' safety.

The NSP explained that the motorcade included police vehicles, an ambulance, and other escort cars, all in line with international professional standards for the protection of dignitaries.

The service described the actions of the person who filmed the incident as "risky" and "a threat both to their own safety and to the safety of a person under state protection enjoying a high level of security."

In its statement, the service cited provisions of the Road Traffic Act related to vehicles operating under special traffic regimes. Drivers are required to give way and, if necessary, stop to allow the unobstructed passage of such vehicles and their escorts. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of BGN 200 (about EUR 100). The NSP warned that ignoring the rules for special regime vehicles poses direct risks to the lives and health of all road users.

The agency rejected what it called "unfounded attempts to question the professionalism" of its officers, emphasizing that under the law and their professional duty, they are obliged to prevent possible attacks against protected persons, even at the cost of their own safety and lives.