Justice Minister wants removal from office of judge banned from entering USA

Bulgaria’s Justice Minister, Danail Kirilov, on February 7 asked the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) that the Specialized Criminal Court Judge, Andon Mitalov, be relieved of the post.

Judge Mitalov became the first Bulgarian to be sanctioned by the US for alleged involvement in corruption. The Minister demands his removal from office on the grounds that he has damaged the prestige of the judiciary by his actions.

The US State Department told BNT that America has credible information about Judge Andon Mitalov's corrupt practices.

Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry said it would request further information on the sanctions from the State Department after it was sought by the SJC.

The State Department on February 7 explained to BNT that the Secretary of State has credible information that Mitalov was involved, directly or indirectly, in serious corruption in his capacity of a judge in the Specialized Criminal Court. This corruption undermines the rule of law and democratic institutions in Bulgaria.

When the US Secretary of State receives credible information that an official has been involved, directly or indirectly, in serious corruption or serious human rights abuses, he or she is required to publicly or privately identify that official and his or her closest relatives by virtue of Section 7031 (c).

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At an extraordinary meeting of the Judges’ College of Bulgaria’s Supreme Judicial Council on February 6, it was decided to request additional information from the US State Department regarding the barring of Specialized Criminal Court judge Andon Mitalov from entering the US because of his alleged involvement in "significant corruption". The Presidents of his court and of the Supreme Court of Cassation asked that any proof about Mitalov’s alleged involvement in corruption be presented to the relevant Bulgarian authorities.