The district law court in Haskovo has ruled not to extradite former colonel Mustafa Goktash from the Turkish special services to Turkey. Goktash stands accused of “conspiracy to commit murder” and “being a member of an organization formed to commit a crime” in 2002.

According to the Bulgarian magistrates, the guarantees provided by Turkey do not ensure a fair trial under the European Convention on Human Rights. Having regard to the evidence provided and citing acts by European Parliament pertaining to problems with rule of law and judicial independence in Turkey, as well as under Bulgarian law, and the expiry of the limitation period vis-à-vis the charges brought against Mustafa Goktash, the court ruled against extradition. The ruling is subject to appeal.