Bulgaria's Chief Magistrates: US Envoy's Allegations False, Perplexing

Politics » DIPLOMACY | April 5, 2011, Tuesday // 18:08
Bulgaria: Bulgaria's Chief Magistrates: US Envoy's Allegations False, Perplexing Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev (L) and President of the Supreme Court of Cassation Lazar Gruev (R). Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev and President of the Supreme Court of Cassation Lazar Gruev have rejected the claim of US ambassador to Sofia James Warlick that Bulgaria's judiciary acts differently for common people and for those with power.

"We are bewildered by the position of His Excellency James Warlick that Bulgaria has two judicial system - one for the poor and one for the rich," have stated the country's two top magistrates in a special joint statement.

Earlier Tuesday, speaking at a round table titled "National Security – Strategic Dimensions of Crime," ambassador Warlick stated that the judicial system continues to pose a huge challenge for Bulgaria regarding the rule of law.

He remarked that there are two judicial systems in the country – one for the rich and the powerful, placing them above the law, and one for the common people.

The Ambassador pointed the need of an effective police force, prosecution and a capable and honest judicial system.

Warlick further offered advice for Bulgaria to pay serious attention to the law related to confiscation of property acquired through illegal activities, saying the US, Germany and Switzerland have very strong legislation about the freezing of assets of criminals, which can be released if the system fails to offer proof for the committed crimes.

"Ambassador Warlick's thesis is completely unfounded and unacceptable, and what is more, it insults magistrates in Bulgaria," stated Chief Prosecutor Velchev and Justice Gruev.

They further reiterated the commitment of Bulgaria's judges and prosecutors to maintain the rule of law for all citizens.

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Tags: James Warlick, Boris Velchev, Lazar Gruev, judiciary

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