The death of 47-year-old Daniel Kiskinov in Kazanlak, Bulgaria, on February 26, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious questions about police conduct and the use of force, issues that resonate deeply within the United States as well. Kiskinov’s last words,reportedly shouted as officers Boris Todorov and Dimitar Ivanov detained him in his courtyard,”You killed me,” now echo in the halls of the Plovdiv Court of Appeal,were the two former Ministry of Interior officials are being held in permanent custody. This case highlights the urgent need for police reform and accountability, a topic of ongoing debate and concern in the U.S.

The incident began with a call reporting a stolen bicycle wheel belonging to a freind of Kiskinov. What followed has led to accusations of police brutality and a community demanding answers, mirroring similar situations that have sparked protests and calls for justice across America.

The Arrest and Its aftermath

On March 12, 2025, three weeks after Kiskinov’s death, officers Todorov and Ivanov were arrested. They, along with a third, still unnamed, intern officer, had responded to the call at Kiskinov’s home. It was the intern’s detailed account of what transpired that day that initiated the investigation. This reliance on an internal account underscores the need for independent oversight, a key demand of police reform advocates in the U.S.

According to reports, Kiskinov became aggressive during the arrest, allegedly hitting and pushing the officers. However, prosecutor Marin Dishlyanov paints a far more disturbing picture. He accuses Todorov and Ivanov of brutally beating Kiskinov,behaving “like street fighters.” The prosecutor stated, “Kiskinov has 17 broken ribs, rupture of the black and lungs, even his larynx is broken. This is probably due to the mental instability of law enforcement officers, they did not use any of the means they have taught them.” This description of excessive force is tragically familiar to many in the U.S., where similar incidents have fueled the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for police defunding.

The lack of body camera footage further complicates the situation. It remains unclear whether Ivanov and Todorov were equipped with body cameras, and if so, whether they were activated during the encounter. The investigation is reportedly exploring the possibility of using audio from a neighboring property’s camera to corroborate the events. This lack of transparency is a common concern in police brutality cases, both in Bulgaria and the U.S., where body cameras are seen as a crucial tool for accountability.

Conflicting Accounts and Legal Maneuvering

In court, Dimitar Ivanov claimed he attempted to de-escalate the situation and that only his colleague, Todorov, used force against Kiskinov. “I do not understand why I am in custody, I am innocent,” Ivanov told the court. Presiding Judge Milena Rangelova retorted, “If you are innocent, you should not have a measure at all.” Boris Todorov has remained silent, refusing to comment on the allegations. This conflicting testimony highlights the challenges in determining the truth in such cases, a challenge familiar to U.S. courts as well.

The Plovdiv Court of Appeal upheld the decision to keep both officers in custody, citing the risk of obstruction of justice. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining forensic evidence and interviewing witnesses. The case has drawn critically important public attention in Bulgaria, with protests demanding justice for Kiskinov and systemic reforms to prevent future incidents. This public outcry mirrors the activism seen in the U.S. following high-profile cases of police brutality.

A Troubled Past and Unanswered Questions

Adding another layer of complexity, Kiskinov had a history of mental health issues and had recently experienced personal losses. This raises questions about whether the officers were properly trained to handle individuals in mental distress, a critical issue in the U.S. as well, where police are frequently enough the first responders to mental health crises. The lack of specialized training can led to tragic outcomes, as seen in numerous cases across the country.

The circumstances surrounding Kiskinov’s death remain murky, with conflicting accounts and unanswered questions. The investigation faces the challenge of piecing together the events of that day and determining whether the officers used excessive force. the outcome of this case could have significant implications for police accountability in Bulgaria and serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for reform in law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Echoes of American Concerns: Police Brutality and Accountability

The Kiskinov case resonates deeply with concerns about police brutality and accountability in the United States. High-profile incidents such as the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Michael Brown have sparked nationwide protests and calls for systemic change. these cases, like the Kiskinov case, highlight the need for:

• Independent investigations of police misconduct
• Body camera footage to provide transparency
• De-escalation training for officers
• Mental health support for individuals in crisis
• Community policing initiatives to build trust

The U.S. has seen some progress in these areas, with many police departments implementing body camera programs and de-escalation training.However, significant challenges remain, including a lack of accountability for officers who commit misconduct and a persistent distrust between law enforcement and communities of color. The Kiskinov case serves as a reminder that these issues are not unique to the U.S. and require a global commitment to reform.

Moving Forward: Seeking Justice and Systemic Reform

As the investigation into Daniel Kiskinov’s death continues, it is crucial that authorities conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. Justice for Kiskinov requires not only holding the responsible officers accountable but also addressing the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy. This includes:

• Reviewing police training protocols
• Implementing independent oversight mechanisms
• Promoting transparency and accountability
• Building trust between law enforcement and the community

These reforms are essential to prevent future incidents of police brutality and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect. The kiskinov case, like so many others, underscores the urgent need for change and serves as a call to action for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and communities around the world.

“You Killed Me”: Unpacking Police Brutality & The Urgent Need for Accountability in Bulgaria and Beyond

Daniel Kiskinov’s final words,”You killed me,” are a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of police brutality. Understanding the nuances of force, the importance of de-escalation, and the necessity of systemic reforms is crucial to preventing future tragedies, both in Bulgaria and the United States.

Understanding the Spectrum of Force: Brutality vs.Excessive Force

It’s essential to distinguish between legitimate use of force, excessive force, and outright brutality.While police officers are authorized to use force when necessary to protect themselves or others, the level of force must be proportional to the threat. Excessive force occurs when officers use more force than is reasonably necessary, while brutality involves the intentional use of force to inflict pain or suffering. The prosecutor in the Kiskinov case alleges brutality, stating the officers behaved “like street fighters,” suggesting a clear departure from acceptable police conduct.

In the U.S.,the Supreme Court case *Graham v. Connor* (1989) established the “objective reasonableness” standard for evaluating police use of force. This standard requires courts to consider the facts and circumstances of each case from the viewpoint of a reasonable officer on the scene, without the benefit of hindsight. However, critics argue that this standard is too deferential to police officers and makes it challenging to hold them accountable for excessive force.

De-escalation Techniques: Preventing Conflict Before It Escalates

De-escalation techniques are crucial for preventing conflicts from escalating into violence. These techniques involve dialogue skills, empathy, and an understanding of human behavior. Officers trained in de-escalation are better equipped to handle tense situations without resorting to force. Dimitar Ivanov’s claim that he attempted to de-escalate the situation, though disputed, highlights the importance of this skill.

Many U.S. police departments have implemented de-escalation training programs in recent years. These programs teach officers how to:

• Use verbal commands to calm individuals
• Create space and distance to reduce tension
• Recognize signs of mental distress
• Employ crisis intervention techniques

However, the effectiveness of these programs depends on proper implementation and ongoing reinforcement. De-escalation must be a core value within the police culture, not just a training exercise.

Systemic Reforms: Building Trust and Preventing Future Tragedies

Addressing police brutality requires systemic reforms that go beyond individual cases. These reforms must focus on building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, promoting accountability, and ensuring that officers are properly trained and equipped to handle challenging situations. Dr.Anya Petrova, an expert in criminal justice reform, outlines several critical reforms:

• Reinforced Investigations and Accountability: “Independent oversight bodies and mechanisms for investigation are absolutely essential. Every allegation of misconduct, especially instances alleging excessive force or brutality, must be fully investigated by an agency or authority that is divorced from the actual police department.” This is particularly relevant in the U.S., where many police departments have a history of protecting their own officers.
• Improve Training: “This includes de-escalation training, cultural sensitivity, and implicit bias courses. Training should be continuous and reflect the latest research and best practices. This is not a ‘one and done’ approach; it needs to be a regular practice.” Cultural sensitivity training is especially important in diverse communities,where misunderstandings and biases can lead to conflict.
• Transparency and Data Collection: “Extensive,open data on police interactions,including use-of-force incidents,complaints,and disciplinary actions,is essential for public accountability. Technology, like body cameras and digital evidence management systems, needs to be implemented and used appropriately.” The lack of body camera footage in the Kiskinov case underscores the importance of this reform.
• Community Engagement: “Building and maintaining strong relationships between communities and the police is critical to establish trust. Dialogue, open forums, and collaborative initiatives can definitely help bridge the gap and reduce tensions.” Community policing initiatives, where officers are assigned to specific neighborhoods and build relationships with residents, have shown promise in reducing crime and improving trust.
• Legislative Action: “enacting laws that clearly defined expectations for the use of force and the legal requirements for officer accountability are vital. These laws must also have associated means for enforcement.” many states in the U.S. have passed laws reforming police practices, including limiting the use of chokeholds and requiring officers to intervene when they witness another officer using excessive force.

These reforms are not a quick fix, but rather a long-term commitment to building a more just and equitable system of law enforcement. They require collaboration between policymakers, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the public.

dr. Petrova also emphasizes the importance of mental health training for officers: “Officers must be equipped to recognize the signs of mental distress and to respond compassionately and safely.This training should include techniques for de-escalation, communication strategies designed specifically for individuals in crisis, and knowledge of local resources, such as mental health professionals and crisis intervention teams. Partnering with mental health professionals is a proactive step. Training and partnership of the professionals can considerably prevent situations that escalate into the use of force or violence.” This is particularly relevant in the Kiskinov case, given his history of mental health issues.

The table below summarizes key aspects of police reform and their relevance to both the Kiskinov case and the U.S. context:

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The death of Daniel Kiskinov demands our attention. It’s a stark reminder of the critical need for constant vigilance in ensuring police accountability, transparency, and complete reforms. Only through these measures can we work toward a future where citizens and law enforcement can have trust and respect. This is a global challenge, and the U.S. can learn from the experiences of other countries as it continues to grapple with issues of police brutality and accountability.

What do you think should be done to prevent these tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments.