Bulgarian General Awarded Significant Compensation After Being Cleared of Misappropriation Charges
A Bulgarian general, Dimitar Shivikov, has been awarded BGN 120,000 in compensation after being falsely accused of misappropriating NATO property. Shivikov, formerly the head of the 61st Stryam Brigade in Karlovo, was acquitted of all charges against him in 2019 after a lengthy legal battle that began in 2015. The court ruled that the prosecution’s actions had caused Shivikov significant non-property damage, including harm to his reputation and occupation prospects.
The charges against Shivikov stemmed from his time as head of the Bulgarian mission in Kabul in 2010. The prosecution alleged that Shivikov had misused NATO-provided blankets, winter sets, jackets, sports equipment, balls, trophy jugs, and camping beds intended for locals in Afghanistan.
According to the prosecution, the surplus supplies were supposed to benefit the Afghan population but were instead shipped back to Bulgaria and delivered to orphanages. The total estimated value of the alleged stolen goods was BGN 10,225.
Shivikov vehemently denied the accusations, maintaining that his intentions were always noble and transparent.
“These accusations have caused me immense suffering. I was painted as a thief who stole from the poor. It affected my reputation, my career, and my health." "After enduring years of legal proceedings, I am relieved that justice has prevailed,” Shivikov stated in court filings. "My motivation in sending these supplies to Bulgarian orphanages has always been altruistic.”
Shivikov successfully defended himself in court, with the Military Court in Plovdiv ruling in July 2018 that he was innocent of abuse of his official position. The Sofia military court also found him innocent in March of the same year, clearing him of any wrongdoing related to the alleged misuse of NATO supplies.
Following his acquittal, Shivikov filed a lawsuit against the Bulgarian prosecutor’s office for malicious prosecution and requested significant compensation for the damage inflicted upon him.
While the initial ruling by the Plovdiv District Court determined a compensation amount of BGN 50,000, Shivikov appealed the decision, arguing that the compensation did not adequately address the extent of damage he suffered.
The appellate magistrates ultimately sided with Shivikov, increasing the award to BGN 120,000. This decision underlined the court’s recognition of the severity of the allegations against Shivikov and their deeply unjust nature. Furthermore, the long duration of the legal proceedings was cited as a contributing factor justifying the substantial compensation award.
The case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of false accusations and the importance of safeguarding individual reputations and career prospects, even when individuals are ultimately cleared of wrongdoing.
What specific evidence did General Shivikov present to support his claim that the supplies were intended for Bulgarian orphanages?
## Justice Prevails: Bulgarian General Awarded After False NATO Misappropriation Charges
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is (insert guest name and credentials, ideally an expert on Bulgarian law or military affairs), to discuss the recent legal victory of Bulgarian General Dimitar Shivikov. General Shivikov was awarded significant compensation after being cleared of charges related to the alleged misappropriation of NATO property. Can you tell us more about this case?
**Guest:** Absolutely. This case is a complex one with a lengthy history. General Shivikov, a decorated military leader, was accused in 2015 of misusing surplus NATO supplies intended for Afghan civilians during his time as head of the Bulgarian mission in Kabul in 2010. The prosecution alleged he shipped these items back to Bulgaria for orphanages instead.
**Interviewer:** What was the General’s defense?
**Guest:** General Shivikov vehemently denied the accusations from the outset, insisting his intentions were always noble and transparent. He argued he was acting in the best interests of the children by providing them with supplies that would otherwise go unused.
**Interviewer:** And the court ultimately sided with him?
**Guest:** Yes. After a grueling four-year legal battle, General Shivikov was acquitted of all charges in 2019. The court recognized the significant damage the prosecution’s accusations had inflicted on his reputation and career prospects. As a result, he was recently awarded BGN 120,000 in compensation.
**Interviewer:** This case highlights a concerning situation where a military leader faced serious accusations, ultimately proven to be baseless. What lessons can be learned from this experience?
**Guest:** This case underscores the importance of due process and the need to avoid rushing to judgment. It also highlights the potential reputational and career damage that false accusations can inflict, even when someone is ultimately exonerated.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for shedding light on this important case.
Please note:
This interview focuses solely on the information provided in the prompt. Further research may be necessary to provide a more comprehensive analysis.
