Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Interior Minister demands resignations over police chase death

Minister of the Interior Kalin Stoyanov.
Photo: BTA

Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov has called for the dismissal of two senior police officers in Stara Zagora. This follows an incident in late 2023 in Stara Zagora in which 58-year-old former national wrestling champion Pavel Penev died after being chased by police. 

The coroner's conclusion was that the victim's death was due to asphyxiation. Police body-worn camera footage showed that five police officers tried to immobilise him by pushing him hard to the ground, causing Penev to suffocate, public broadcaster BNT reported. According to relatives of the deceased, he was not a violent person, but suffered from mental illness. Details of the call to the 112 emergency number that led to the police chase remain unclear.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Minister of Finance Temenuzhka Petkova

Finance Minister Petkova confirms Bulgaria's readiness for eurozone integration

Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova has announced that Bulgaria is ready to join the eurozone. She made the statement at a business breakfast hosted by the American and British Chambers of Commerce in Bulgaria. Minister Petkova emphasised that Bulgaria..

published on 4/15/25 1:37 PM

The new ambassador of Italy has presented his credentials.

Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova received the credentials of the new Italian Ambassador in Sofia, Marcello Apicella, the Foreign Ministry said. During the talks, both sides expressed satisfaction with the long-standing friendly relations and..

published on 4/15/25 1:20 PM

Shell to explore for oil and gas in Bulgaria’s economic zone in the Black Sea

Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov and Vanya Ivancheva, Country Chair Shell Bulgaria, signed a contract for oil and gas exploration in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The ceremony took place at the Council of Ministers..

published on 4/15/25 12:28 PM