Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev and Deputy Prosecutor General Daniela Masheva took part in a meeting of the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group at the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) during their working visit to the European Parliament on 26 and 27 January 2022. The discussion followed the dialogue between the leadership of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Monitoring Group. The last meeting of the Prosecutor General with members of the EP Commission was at the end of September 2021 in Sofia.
At today's discussion, the Prosecutor General underlined the commitment of the Prosecutor's Office to strengthen the principles of the rule of law in the Republic of Bulgaria. Before the MEPs Ivan Geshev stated the readiness of the Prosecutor's Office for active participation in the comprehensive reform of the judiciary, which will respond to the recommendations made to the country by the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe and others, in the dialogue between the authorities ensuring the stability and efficiency of the justice system in the country. In this context, the Prosecutor General pointed out that upholding the independence of the judiciary is one of the most important prerequisites for ensuring the rule of law in Bulgaria.
Ivan Geshev expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to personally acquaint the representatives of the Monitoring Group with details of the opinion of the leadership of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria from the end of 2021, sent to the European institutions, in which worrying facts are taken into account, that threaten the fundamental European values and principles of the rule of law, including through institutional actions and personal attacks against magistrates and members of their families.
During the discussion Ivan Geshev underlined the contribution of the specialized justice bodies in countering corruption and fighting organized crime. The Prosecutor General and his deputy Daniela Masheva presented to the European parliamentarians detailed clarifications on other issues related to the rule of law in Bulgaria. The leading role of the Prosecution in protecting the rights of vulnerable social groups and LGBTI representatives was also emphasized.
In conclusion, Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev highly appreciated the dialogue, its significance, as well as his personal and the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria readiness to continue the regular discussions between the Prosecution and the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group.