The National Assembly removed the political immunity of Volen Siderov, MP and leader of the ultra-nationalist movement Ataka.

Of the 168 MPs which voted, only 12 were against the immunity removal, Focus news agency reported.

Siderov's immunity was removed because of the April 7 incident on the Trakia highway, when a man was beaten after a quarrel with Siderov and Ataka members travelling at the same time.

Siderov and his bodyguard Pavel Chernev, also Ataka member and MP, were accused of giving false testimony.

Speaker of Parliament Georgi Pirinski said that Ataka used populist, anti-constitutional and irresponsible means to destabilise the country and its institutions. He added that Ataka's speculations with public worries were unacceptable and diverted attention from more serious issues.

Siderov said that even without immunity, he would continue exposing the crimes of the government and the MPs. He added that his immunity was removed because the 'political mafia' feared him.

According to Siderov the Trakia highway incident was used for political purposes and aimed at harming Ataka's image.