The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) declared that Bulgaria infringed upon human rights by denying a journalist access to the acquittal judgment of a former Internal Affairs Minister involved in a significant criminal case. This ruling emphasises that such denial violated Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects freedom of expression, especially regarding information that serves the public interest.
The case emerged when journalist Galina Mariova Girginova requested insights into the acquittal reasons concerning the minister, who had been accused of neglecting the oversight of improper usage of surveillance equipment. The authorities rebuffed her request, citing state security classification as the reason for withholding this information.
The ECHR noted that public access to information is crucial, especially concerning high-ranking officials and issues that resonate with public interest, such as potential abuses of secret surveillance. The court ruled Bulgaria’s decision to withhold the judgment was unjustifiable in a democratic context, suggesting that alternatives could have been employed to safeguard classified details.
Moreover, the court found Bulgaria in violation of Article 13, which ensures the right to a suitable legal remedy. Girginova attempted to challenge the refusal through judicial review but failed, as local courts agreed that the Access to Public Information Act was inapplicable to judicial outcomes. This underscores a gap in Bulgaria’s legal framework that obstructs efficient remedies against restrictions on information access.
The ECHR’s decision shines a light on the crucial role of judicial transparency and the media’s function in maintaining government accountability. The ruling raises important questions regarding press freedom and transparency in Bulgaria, a nation frequently scrutinised for its management of public information access and possible misuse of state surveillance.
Bulgaria now faces the responsibility of implementing necessary reforms to align with the Convention. As of yet, the government has not clarified whether it plans to contest the ruling or adjust its policies regarding access to information.
The ECHR ruled Bulgaria violated human rights by denying journalist Galina Mariova Girginova access to a former minister’s acquittal judgment. Citing violations of Articles 10 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the court stressed the importance of public information accessibility related to high-profile cases. Bulgaria is now tasked with reforming its policies to ensure compliance.
The ECHR ruling underscores Bulgaria’s obligation to uphold human rights and transparency by ensuring public access to judicial decisions. The decision not only highlights the importance of freedom of expression but also points to failures within Bulgaria’s legal system to provide effective remedies against restrictions on information. This marks a crucial moment for the nation to reconsider its policies surrounding information access, particularly in cases involving public interest and high-ranking officials.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
