Capital punishment in Bulgaria

Death Penalty laws in Europe

Capital punishment in Bulgaria refers to the legal process in which a person is sentenced to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. The practice has a long history in the country but has been abolished in recent years.

History

Capital punishment in Bulgaria has been used since ancient times. During the Ottoman Empire's rule over Bulgaria, executions were common for various crimes. After Bulgaria gained independence in 1878, the death penalty continued to be used.

20th Century

In the 20th century, capital punishment was used extensively during the Communist era in Bulgaria. The regime used it as a tool for political repression, executing many political dissidents and opponents. The most notable execution during this period was that of Nikola Petkov, a prominent opposition leader, in 1947.

Abolition

Bulgaria began moving towards the abolition of the death penalty in the late 20th century. The last execution in Bulgaria took place in 1989. In 1990, a moratorium on executions was established, and in 1998, Bulgaria formally abolished the death penalty for all crimes. The country ratified the Protocol No. 6 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits the death penalty in peacetime, and later Protocol No. 13, which prohibits it in all circumstances.

Legal Framework

The abolition of capital punishment in Bulgaria is enshrined in the country's legal framework. The Constitution of Bulgaria explicitly prohibits the death penalty. The Criminal Code of Bulgaria has been amended to remove all references to capital punishment, replacing it with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the most serious crimes.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on capital punishment in Bulgaria has been mixed. While some segments of the population have supported its abolition, others have called for its reinstatement, particularly in response to heinous crimes. However, the government has maintained its stance against the death penalty, in line with its commitments to international human rights standards.

International Commitments

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and the Council of Europe, both of which advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. The country’s adherence to these organizations' protocols reflects its commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

See Also

• Human rights in Bulgaria
• Criminal justice system of Bulgaria
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Protocol No. 6 to the European Convention on Human Rights
• Protocol No. 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights