Parliament to Debate Lifting Immunity of Two MPs Over Corruption Charges

Parliament to Debate Lifting Immunity of Two MPs Over Corruption Charges

Bulgaria

On Friday, the National Assembly will discuss a draft decision to remove the parliamentary immunity of Dzheyhan Ibryamov and Mario Rangelov, members of the Democracy, Rights, and Freedoms (DRF) party. The proposal follows a request by acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov on December 19, 2024, seeking permission to prosecute six MPs, four of whom have already voluntarily relinquished their immunity, CE Report quotes BTA

Under Article 70 of the Bulgarian Constitution, MPs with immunity can only face criminal proceedings with parliamentary approval or their written consent.

Rangelov faces allegations of crimes against the political rights of citizens, as determined by the supervising prosecutor of the Sofia City Prosecution Office.

Ibryamov is accused of two corruption cases. The first involves a BGN 20,000 bribe in 2019 to influence a Health Ministry decision on releasing biocidal products to the market. The second alleges that in September 2024, he sought a BGN 400,000 bribe to sway Defence Ministry officials regarding public procurement contracts.

The National Assembly’s decision could pave the way for legal proceedings against the two MPs.

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