site.bta Top Judge Calls on Supreme Judicial Council Spokesperson Ouzounov to Resign

Top Judge Calls on Supreme Judicial Council Spokesperson Ouzounov to Resign

Sofia, October 13 (BTA) - Supreme Court of Cassation President Lozan Panov on Thursday called on Supreme Judicial Council Spokesperson (SJC) Dimiter Ouzounov to resign, accusing him of making single-handed decisions.

Panov warned that if Ouzounov refused, Panov would then submit a motion for his removal from the post.

Last week SJC members urged for Ouzounov's resignation. They said he had exceeded his powers by single-handedly designating the eight SJC members who were to meet with European prosecutors who are implementing a review of the Bulgarian prosecution service. Some of the attendees walked out of the meeting and the proceedings were terminated due to the absence of a quorum.

In addition to the designation of the SJC members, Panov accused Ouzounov of neglecting the check of leaked conversations between Vladimira Yaneva, former President of the Sofia City Court, and judge Roumyana Chenalova, of which there has been a new batch recently. Panov also raised the question of the lack of any reaction on the part of the prosecution service to the latest statements of fugitive banker Tsvetan Vassilev.

Prosecutor General Sotir Tsatsarov and SJC member Yassen Todorov accused Panov of politicizing the independent council. Tsatsarov drew a parallel between Panov's statement and similar statements by former justice minister Hristo Ivanov and certain political elements. Panov said he was used to being accused of having a political agenda and confirmed that he would submit a motion for Ouzounov's removal and the reopening of the Yaneva case next Thursday.