SOFIA Regional Military Court has begun the in-camera trial of the former head of the National Security Service (NSS), Atanas Atanassov, on charges of malpractice.
Atanassov is accused of failing to order the removal of eavesdropping devices from about 50 apartments, formerly owned by the communist-era bureau for servicing the diplomatic corps, which were subsequently given to top state officials and diplomats.
The controversy broke out in the summer of 2000 when "bugs" were found in one of the apartments, occupied by Prosecutor-General Nikola Filchev.
An investigation found similar devices in the apartments in the same building in the Vitosha area in Sofia.
According to prosecutors, Atanassov knew of the devices but did not order their removal in 1998.
After the hearing, Atanassov, who is on bail of 10 000 leva, said that his trial had been ordered personally by Filchev and a former minister had private interests in it.
"You know that I appeared before the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) in connection to this case and as a result the council demanded Filchev's resignation," Atanassov said in an interview with Darik national radio. "This is why he wants revenge."
Atanassov refused to comment further, saying the trial was secret and anything he said could lead to other accusations.
Vladimir Manolov, former acting head of counterintelligence, who appeared in court as a witness, said that Atanassov knew of the devices and was obliged to order their removal.
After Atanassov failed to do so, Manolov informed the then-interior minister Bogomil Bonev about the situation.
According to Manolov, the NSS was the only organisation responsible for the installation, use and removal of special intelligence devices, and Atanassov knew about the devices.
- Staff Reporter
Atanassov is accused of failing to order the removal of eavesdropping devices from about 50 apartments, formerly owned by the communist-era bureau for servicing the diplomatic corps, which were subsequently given to top state officials and diplomats.
The controversy broke out in the summer of 2000 when "bugs" were found in one of the apartments, occupied by Prosecutor-General Nikola Filchev.
An investigation found similar devices in the apartments in the same building in the Vitosha area in Sofia.
According to prosecutors, Atanassov knew of the devices but did not order their removal in 1998.
After the hearing, Atanassov, who is on bail of 10 000 leva, said that his trial had been ordered personally by Filchev and a former minister had private interests in it.
"You know that I appeared before the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) in connection to this case and as a result the council demanded Filchev's resignation," Atanassov said in an interview with Darik national radio. "This is why he wants revenge."
Atanassov refused to comment further, saying the trial was secret and anything he said could lead to other accusations.
Vladimir Manolov, former acting head of counterintelligence, who appeared in court as a witness, said that Atanassov knew of the devices and was obliged to order their removal.
After Atanassov failed to do so, Manolov informed the then-interior minister Bogomil Bonev about the situation.
According to Manolov, the NSS was the only organisation responsible for the installation, use and removal of special intelligence devices, and Atanassov knew about the devices.
- Staff Reporter
