2 April, 2009

Amendments in the Penal Code, adopted on 2 April, 2009 foresee higher sanctions for vote buying. A fine of BGN 10 000 to 20 000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years is the penalty for giving and receiving material profit with the purpose of motivating a voter to exercise his/her electoral right in favor of a certain candidate , political party or coalition. The changes envisage a prison sentence of up to 6 years and a fine of BGN 5000 to 20 000 for the masterminds and organizers of vote buying and for those providing the funds. For those propagating hatred on religious grounds, the penalty is to be imprisonment of up to 4 years plus a fine amounting to BGN 5000 to 10 000.

The Penal Code stipulates imprisonment of up to 6 years for persons who compel minors or a group of minors towards fornication, sexual intercourse, sodomy, masturbation, sexual sadism, masochism or indecent exposure . If this has resulted in a material profit the imprisonment raises to 8 years and a fine of up to BGN 10 000. There will be no curtailed investigation procedure for intentional homicides. The amendments foresee imprisonment of up to five years for use of violence or threat in order to compel an organ of authority, a public figure or a private bailiff to execute or avoid doing something with regards to his/her capacity or official duty..