site.btaActing Prosecutor General Case Undermines Trust in Judicial Institutions, Says Bar Council Head

The case surrounding the acting Prosecutor General is unfortunately creating mistrust between the institutions involved in the administration of justice, Ivaylo Dermendzhiev, Chairman of the Supreme Bar Council, told BTA. He noted that the Supreme Court of Cassation has entered into a conflict with the prosecution, which undermines confidence among judicial bodies. “This is not good, as it affects the delivery of justice,” Dermendzhiev commented.

According to him, the issue concerning the acting Prosecutor General reflects in the rulings of the Supreme Court of Cassation. “There is talk of problems with the rule of law, but this is a broad topic that deserves wide public debate,” he added.

Dermendzhiev also stressed that as a lawyer and Bar Council head, he disagrees with one party to the judicial process, the prosecution, publicly commenting on court rulings or trying to dictate the court’s stance. “As an institution, the Bar Council has never done so. Individual lawyers may comment, but when an institution does it, this goes beyond the principle of separation of powers,” he said.

Dermendzhiev spoke in Veliko Tarnovo, where he took part in a conference marking the 20th anniversary of the Legal Aid Act and the Protection against Domestic Violence Act, held at the Museum of the Revival and Constituent Assembly. The event was organised by the National Legal Aid Bureau under the patronage of Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev and hosted by Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov.