Constitutional Court judge Desislava Atanasova has not filed a defamation lawsuit against Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev one month after allegations surfaced regarding her travel with Delyan Peevski. A review of records at the Sofia District Court and the Sofia City Court confirms no legal action has been initiated to address the accusations of a private flight to Dubai involving the sanctioned political leader.
Status of Legal Action and Court Records
According to a report by Sega, the Sofia District Court, which handles civil claims up to 25,000 BGN and private criminal complaints for defamation, shows no record of a lawsuit from Atanasova. Similarly, the Sofia City Court, responsible for higher-value claims, has no filings from the judge against Demerdzhiev. While media outlets associated with Peevski previously reported that a lawsuit was imminent, no documentation has been submitted to the judicial authorities to date.
Atanasova has publicly denied the allegations, stating on Facebook that she would present documentation regarding her travel to Turkey between April 5 and April 8, 2024, to a “competent court.” Despite this public declaration, she has not utilized the five-year statute of limitations for filing a civil defamation claim against the former minister.
Constitutional Court Institutional Silence
The Constitutional Court has maintained a policy of non-interference regarding the controversy. In a recent interview with Nova TV, Constitutional Court President Pavlina Panova declined to comment on the specific case. Panova stated that the institution had already addressed the matter by publishing Atanasova’s own defense on the official court website.
The court’s website was used by Atanasova to explain her travel protocols, specifically noting that she does not take formal leave when traveling abroad on working days if the court is not in session. However, the court has not responded to follow-up inquiries from Sega sent three weeks ago. These questions included requests for clarification on whether Atanasova used a diplomatic passport during her time as a member of parliament and whether she has maintained contact with Peevski since her appointment to the bench.
Did you know?
In Bulgaria, the statute of limitations for filing a civil claim for defamation is five years, meaning the window for potential litigation remains open even if immediate action was not taken.
Transparency and Public Accountability
The controversy centers on allegations made by Demerdzhiev concerning travel arrangements. Atanasova has twice provided documentation through official channels to refute claims that she traveled to Dubai via private jet with Peevski.
Questions regarding the return of her standard passport before its expiration date and the potential concurrent use of multiple travel documents remain unanswered by both the judge and the Constitutional Court administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Desislava Atanasova sued Ivan Demerdzhiev?
No. As of the most recent check of the Sofia District and City Court registers, no defamation or civil lawsuit has been filed by Atanasova against the former interior minister.
What is the statute of limitations for such a lawsuit?
In Bulgaria, parties have up to five years to file a civil claim for damages related to defamation.
What has the Constitutional Court said about the travel allegations?
The court’s president, Pavlina Panova, has stated that the institution considers the matter addressed by having published Atanasova’s personal position on the court’s official website.
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