Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Court rules against extradition of former Turkish colonel seeking asylum in Bulgaria

Photo: Pixabay

The district law court in Haskovo has ruled not to extradite former colonel Mustafa Goktash from the Turkish special services to Turkey. Goktash stands accused of “conspiracy to commit murder” and “being a member of an organization formed to commit a crime” in 2002.

According to the Bulgarian magistrates, the guarantees provided by Turkey do not ensure a fair trial under the European Convention on Human Rights. Having regard to the evidence provided and citing acts by European Parliament pertaining to problems with rule of law and judicial independence in Turkey, as well as under Bulgarian law, and the expiry of the limitation period vis-à-vis the charges brought against Mustafa Goktash, the court ruled against extradition. The ruling is subject to appeal. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Blagoevgrad to host the 32nd edition of the International Mathematics Competition for University Students

From July 28 to August 3, the town of Blagoevgrad (Southwestern Bulgaria) will host the 32nd edition of the prestigious International Mathematics Competition for University Students. Over 550 participants from 143 universities in 52 countries,..

published on 7/27/25 5:40 AM

85 folk ensembles to participate in the "Sparks from the Past" festival in Apriltsi

A total of 85 folk ensembles from across the country will participate in the "Sparks from the Past" festival, which will take place in the mountain town of Apriltsi on July 26 and 27. The open-air stage for the performances will be set up at..

published on 7/26/25 5:45 AM

Red heat alert issued for 12 Bulgarian districts, orange code alert in effect for the rest of the country

On Saturday, it will be sunny and even hotter. In the afternoon, clouds will form over the mountainous regions of Western Bulgaria, and by the evening, also in the northwestern areas. Isolated thunderstorms and rain showers are expected in some..

published on 7/25/25 6:25 PM