Bulgarian Parliament Rejects Lifting Immunity of DPS MPs Jeyhan Ibryamov and Mario Rangelov
in a decisive move, the Bulgarian Parliament has rejected the request by interim Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov to lift the immunity of two MPs from the Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party, Jeyhan Ibryamov and Mario Rangelov. This decision effectively halts ongoing investigations against the lawmakers, sparking debates about accountability and parliamentary privilege.
The proposal to remove Ibryamov’s immunity was met with significant opposition, with 62 deputies from GERB-SDS, one from PP-DB, 15 from Vazrazhdane, and 19 from DPS voting against it. Support came from DPS – New Beginning, MECH, and 17 MPs from PP-DB. For Rangelov, the vote was closer, with 86 in favor, 79 against, and 47 abstentions.
The investigations against the two MPs stem from serious allegations.Ibryamov is accused of influence peddling and receiving a bribe using marked banknotes, while Rangelov faces charges of buying votes during the last election campaign for the early parliamentary elections. Despite these accusations, the Parliament’s decision ensures that the probes cannot proceed.
GERB had already signaled its opposition to the proposal last Thursday, setting the stage for today’s outcome. Ibryamov, in a statement, defended his immunity, emphasizing that it is granted by his voters. “When I was released from detention, I thanked all the voters who gave me the possibility to be a representative of the people.Then I explained that I will not give in to productions and to certain persons who want to be given immunity,” he said.
This development raises questions about the balance between parliamentary immunity and the pursuit of justice. Critics argue that such decisions undermine accountability, while supporters maintain that immunity is essential to protect lawmakers from politically motivated prosecutions.
| Key Details | summary |
|——————|————-|
| MPs Involved | Jeyhan Ibryamov and Mario Rangelov (DPS) |
| Vote Outcome | Immunity retained for both MPs |
| Allegations | Influence peddling, bribery (Ibryamov); vote buying (Rangelov) |
| Opposition | GERB-SDS, Vazrazhdane, and DPS MPs |
| Support | DPS – New Beginning, MECH, and PP-DB MPs |
The decision highlights the complexities of Bulgaria’s political landscape, where party loyalties often influence parliamentary outcomes.As the investigations remain stalled, the public is left to ponder the implications for openness and governance in the contry.
For more insights into Bulgaria’s political dynamics, explore how the movement for rights and Freedoms (DPS) continues to shape the nation’s legislative agenda.