SOFIA,Bulgaria – A former police officer has been sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing justice in a case that has fueled public outrage over allegations of corruption within Bulgaria’s law enforcement agencies. Simona Radeva was convicted of aiding Georgi Semerdzhiev, accused of causing a fatal car crash in Sofia in August 2022 that left two people dead. the sentencing comes amid broader efforts to address corruption within the Bulgarian police force [[1]] and follows recommendations from the Council of Europe for improved accountability and whistleblower protection [[2]].
Former Police Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Obstructing Justice
SOFIA, Bulgaria — A former police officer in Bulgaria has been sentenced to five years in prison for helping a man accused of causing a deadly traffic accident evade authorities. The case has drawn significant public attention in Bulgaria, highlighting concerns about potential corruption and obstruction of justice within the police force.
Simona Radeva, the former officer, was convicted of aiding Georgi Semerdzhiev, who is accused of causing a crash that resulted in two fatalities in August 2022. According to reports, Radeva allegedly used her position to assist Semerdzhiev in avoiding immediate arrest following the incident.
The Sofia Regional Court delivered the sentence on Thursday, finding Radeva guilty of obstruction of justice. The court determined that Radeva took extraordinary measures to help Semerdzhiev after the collision. Details of those measures were not immediately released.
Semerdzhiev himself is facing charges related to the accident. Radeva’s actions reportedly involved attempts to shield him from law enforcement scrutiny. The investigation into the crash and subsequent cover-up revealed a network of alleged connections between Semerdzhiev and individuals within the police department.
The five-year prison sentence represents a significant development in the case, signaling a firm stance against police misconduct. The case underscores the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the need to ensure justice for victims of traffic accidents.
Prior to the sentencing, reports indicated Radeva had taken an unusual step following the crash. The details of this action were not immediately available, but it contributed to the investigation’s focus on her involvement in assisting Semerdzhiev.
