The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on Tuesday that Bulgaria breached the European Convention on Human Rights by denying journalist Galina Mariova Girginova access to the acquittal judgment of a former Minister of Internal Affairs in a high-profile criminal case. The case revolves around the minister’s acquittal on charges of failing to supervise the misuse of covert surveillance equipment by his subordinates.
Bulgaria’s refusal to provide access to the acquittal judgment violated Article 10 of the Convention, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression and the public’s right to receive information. The Bulgarian authorities cited state security concerns to justify withholding the judgment, arguing that the case was classified.
The ECHR emphasized that transparency is crucial, particularly when it involves high-ranking officials and issues of public concern, such as the misuse of surveillance powers. The court concluded that Bulgaria’s actions were unjustifiable in a democratic society, stating that alternative measures could have protected classified information without limiting access to the public judgment.
Additionally, Bulgaria was found to have violated Article 13 of the Convention, which guarantees the right to an effective remedy. The Bulgarian courts had ruled that the Access to Public Information Act did not apply to judicial decisions, preventing Girginova from challenging the denial effectively.
This ruling underscores concerns about press freedom and government transparency in Bulgaria, particularly regarding access to public information and state surveillance practices. The government has yet to announce whether it will seek a review or implement changes to its policies.
Sources: European Court of Human Rights, Associated Press
