site.btaParliament Protects Immunity of Two MPs of Democracy, Rights and Freedoms

On Friday, Parliament did not grant demands by acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov to lift the immunity of two MPs of Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF), Mario Rangelov and Dzheyhan Ibryamov.

Rangelov's immunity was demanded on the basis of a conclusion made by a supervising prosecutor that evidence points to crimes he committed against the political rights of citizens. Investigations revealed that he led a group offering money in exchange for votes during the October 27, 2024 elections. The group is accused of distributing sums, including BGN 50 per voter, in several towns.

The MPs voted, 86-79, with 47 abstentions, against lifting Rangelov's immunity. Most of the votes in favour came from Vazrazhdane, MRF - New Beginning, Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB), and Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh).

As to Dzheyhan Ibryamov, Sarafov demanded his immunity so as to continue criminal proceedings against the MP.

Ibryamov has been charged with two crimes. In October 2019, he demanded and received BGN 20,000 in return for exerting influence on a decision by a Health Ministry official to issue a permit for the market release of a group of biocides. The second charge is for demanding BGN 400,000 in September 2024 from Miroslav Todorov to influence a decision by Defence Ministry officials in connection with their duties in public procurement.

The MPs voted, 59-97, with 63 abstentions, against lifting Ibryamov's immunity. The motion was supported by MRF - New Beginning, MECh and CC-DB.