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

PM Rosen Zhelyazkov (L) and GERB leader Boyko Borissov.

GERB and DPS-New Beginning rule out early elections

‘This is not the time for early elections,’ said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at a GERB party conference. According to BTA, he was opposed to holding elections during the country’s planned adoption of the euro in 2026. GERB chairman Boyko..

published on 10/17/25 1:12 PM
Blagomir Kotsev

Appellate Court-Sofia leaves Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev in custody

The Sofia Appellate Court left in custody Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, who is charged with corruption and participation in an organized crime group.  The judgment is final. One of the three judges, Andrey Angelov, signed with a dissenting..

published on 10/17/25 11:03 AM

Justice Minister Georgiev discusses with the EC legislative changes related to the new payment under the RRP

Bulgaria’s Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev conferred in Brussels with the European Commission team responsible for the Resilience and Recovery Plan (RRP) reforms in Bulgaria, reported the Ministry of Justice. EC: RRP payment depends on..

published on 10/17/25 9:51 AM