EPU and DPolG support police officers in Bulgaria

EPU president and DPolG Federal Chairman Rainer Wendt: "The blanket condemnation of police officers, the premature assignment of guilt in the public sphere, and the political exploitation of individual incidents are not only an attack on the individuals involved, but also on the rule of law itself. The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle that applies to everyone – including police officers.

Police work is a service to society that involves significant personal risk. Those who discredit this profession indiscriminately not only undermine the morale and trust within the police force but also endanger the safety and cohesion of society as a whole.

We call on all political actors and media representatives to act with responsibility and restraint. Criticism must be possible – but it must be differentiated, fact-based, and grounded in the principles of justice. Public pre-judgments and populist accusations are unacceptable.

The EPU will continue to work closely with TUFEMI and all our member unions to defend the rights, dignity, and safety of police employees across Europe. Our solidarity knows no borders – neither geographical nor moral."

WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE DEMONIZATION OF POLICE OFFICERS - THE DIGNITY OF THE PROFESSION IS NOT SUBJECT TO RETALIATION

We oppose political suggestions, generalisations and pressure against the employees of the Ministry of Interior after the tragedy in Varna - the responsibility is not collective and the presumption of innocence applies to all citizens, including police officers.

The Trade Union Federation of the Employees in the Ministry of Interior (TUFEMI) expresses its deep condolences to the family and friends of Yavor Georgiev. The tragedy in Varna has shocked the public, but it has also unleashed a wave of unacceptable generalisations, insinuations and pressure directed at the employees in the Ministry of Interior in general. TUFEMI cannot and will not remain silent at such a time.

We strongly oppose the attempts to demonise police officers and to tarnish the police profession through isolated cases in which investigations are still ongoing and in which no court judgments have been handed down. We would like to remind you that in the Republic of Bulgaria the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of the rule of law and applies to all citizens, including police officers.

We strongly condemn the insinuations made by members of parliament who have already labeled the tragedy involving Yavor Georgiev as "the murder in Varna."
This is a serious manipulation that precedes the investigation and fosters public hostility towards individuals against whom no judicial verdict has been issued. The responsibility for the words of the MPs is immense. Delivering verdicts via live broadcasts serves only one purpose – party populism and the accumulation of political capital. This does not improve the quality of institutional work, which is one of the primary responsibilities of Bulgarian lawmakers.

We observe with concern how public discourse is being overtaken by a form of street justice – through social media, media studios, and political speeches. This pressure distorts facts, undermines trust in institutions, and subjects Ministry of Interior officers to psychological and moral attacks. Public lynching is not justice – it is an assault on the rule of law. And every rushed conclusion before the competent authorities have spoken harms not only justice, but also the quality of public dialogue.

We call for a normalization of reactions – let the responsible institutions do their job, and the guilty – if there are any – bear fair punishment according to the law. But let this happen within the framework of established rules, not through emotional and political pressure.

The case in Varna was immediately exploited for political insinuations, directed not only against the system, but also against the idea of fair remuneration for Ministry of Interior employees. This is not only absurd – it is a dangerous distortion of meaning. No one has ever become a better professional because of a lower salary. Decent pay is not a privilege – it is a prerequisite for professionalism, sustainability and ethics within the system.

We remind the public of the tragic case of the police officer in Sofia who took his own life after being subjected to humiliating public pressure without evidence. We also recall the tension in Haskovo, where the building of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior was vandalized due to a communication error – despite the swift and adequate response by professionals in Haskovo.
Such actions not only destroy public trust in institutions, but also undermine the morale of people who risk their lives every day to serve society.

TUFEMI firmly states:

• It is not the ordinary police officers who are responsible for communication or management deficits in the system.
• Collective guilt is unacceptable.
• There can be no lynching of a profession, a sector or a ministry.

We urge politicians, the media and public commentators to act with responsibility, moderation, and respect for the truth. The investigation must be concluded, guilt – if any – must be proven and punished in accordance with the law. But the dignity of thousands of officers must not be sacrificed for sensational headlines or political gain.

TUFEMI will continue to defend the rights, dignity, and professional honor of the employees in the  Ministry of Interior. We will advocate for reforms, effective communication, and fair accountability – but never for collective blame.