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's toll system begins fining overloaded trucks

Starting October 15, Bulgaria's toll system has begun weighing heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons while they are in motion. The weighing process is fully automated. "Currently, 10 out of nearly 100 planned devices have been certified. The sensors..

published on 10/15/25 10:27 AM

The number of Ukrainians using indefinite state shelter is decreasing

The number of Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection in the country who are accommodated in hotels and other facilities under the program for humanitarian support and integration of displaced persons from Ukraine has decreased by half. Currently,..

published on 10/15/25 9:29 AM

The leader of GERB speaks about reformatting the ruling majority

"We will no longer help ensure a quorum in Parliament", said Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB, the party holding the mandate for the government formed by the parliamentary majority. His statement, made in front of the party's parliamentary group and..

published on 10/15/25 9:12 AM