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

Bulgaria and 15 other EU countries: Third countries should support the European initiative to end the war in Ukraine

Bulgaria and 15 other EU countries sent a letter to Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, calling on her to initiate joint diplomatic efforts aimed at securing global support for a ceasefire in Ukraine, the..

published on 5/22/25 9:00 AM

Expect more sunshine, rain, and unsettled weather

On Thursday, lows will be between 9 and 13°C, reaching 9°C in Sofia. It will be mostly sunny during the day, but the atmosphere will be unstable with the development of cumuliform clouds around noon. Rain is expected, and thunderstorms and hail are also..

published on 5/21/25 7:05 PM

Banking services in Bulgaria are among the most accessible in the EU

Banking services in Bulgaria are among the most accessible in the EU, according to an analysis by the Association of Banks in Bulgaria . According to it, banks in Bulgaria offer the lowest interest rates in Europe on newly granted loans to households for..

published on 5/21/25 5:57 PM