A Family’s Decision: Leaving Bulgaria Behind

Driven by deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Bulgaria, one citizen has declared their intention to renounce their citizenship and emigrate with their entire family. This drastic decision underscores a growing sentiment of disillusionment among some Bulgarians, particularly concerning governance and the well-being of children.

Frustration with Governance: A “Stepmother” Country?

The individual, expressing profound frustration, described Bulgaria as a stepmother that crushes ordinary citizens. This sentiment reflects a perceived lack of support and protection from the government, leading to a sense of abandonment and despair. The decision to leave is not portrayed as a search for personal gain, but rather as a desperate measure to escape what is perceived as an oppressive surroundings.

“I will categorically give up Bulgaria and my citizenship! our whole family will do it. This is not a country, but a stepmother that crushes ordinary citizens like us.”

Child Welfare Concerns: A Catalyst for Change

A key driver behind this decision is the alarming rate of child mortality and perceived governmental negligence. The citizen emphasized the urgent need for legal reforms to protect children, highlighting a critical failure in the system. While specific statistics were not provided by the individual, data from UNICEF indicates that bulgaria, while improving, still faces challenges in child welfare compared to other EU nations. For example, targeted interventions are needed to address issues such as child poverty and access to quality healthcare.

Seeking Support for Systemic Change

Beyond personal escape, the individual seeks broader support for systemic change within Bulgaria. The call for legal reforms suggests a desire to address the root causes of the problems, rather than simply fleeing the consequences. This highlights a complex mix of personal desperation and civic responsibility, reflecting a hope that their actions might spark meaningful improvements for those who remain.

“I do not seek help or sensation, I only want support to change the laws. Almost every day children die, and the negligence of the ruling is under every criticism.”

Immigration Trends and Bulgarian Citizenship

This case highlights a broader trend of emigration from Bulgaria, particularly among younger generations seeking better opportunities and living conditions abroad. The decision to renounce citizenship is a important step, given the emotional and practical ties to one’s homeland. While dual citizenship is permitted in some cases, the process of relinquishing Bulgarian citizenship involves specific legal procedures and considerations.

A Father’s Grief and Fight for Justice

Danail Todorov, father of 15-year-old Bozhidara, who tragically lost her life in a car accident, recently shared his ongoing pain and frustration. The case, which has been dragging on for years, involves Marian Sivov, the driver responsible for the crash. While the Plovdiv Court of appeal increased Sivov’s sentence from 1.5 to 2.5 years and revoked his driver’s license for five years, the family feels that true justice remains elusive.

The Fatal Ride: Recklessness and Disregard

The incident occurred on May 21, 2018, in Haskovo, Bulgaria.Bozhidara, her sister Sofia, and a friend were passengers in a car driven by Marian Sivov.According to Todorov, instead of safely transporting the girls, Sivov deliberately drove at speeds exceeding 110 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. Despite the girls’ pleas to slow down,Sivov reportedly laughed and increased his speed,making light of their fear.

Impact and Aftermath: A Life Shattered

The consequences of Sivov’s reckless behavior were devastating. The car collided head-on with another vehicle while making an illegal turn, followed by a collision with a metal pole. The force of the impact caused severe injuries to Bozhidara, including three broken cervical vertebrae, resulting in complete paralysis. In her final moments, she expressed her love for her sister, a poignant reminder of the life cut short.

The Broader Context: Road Safety Concerns

This tragic case highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety and reckless driving, particularly among young drivers. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. In Bulgaria, stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased awareness campaigns are needed to prevent similar tragedies. The European Road Safety Observatory reports that speeding is a major contributing factor in fatal accidents across Europe, emphasizing the need for responsible driving behavior.

Seeking closure and Promoting Change

while the legal proceedings continue, Danail Todorov remains committed to seeking justice for his daughter and advocating for safer roads. His story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of holding offenders accountable. The hope is that Bozhidara’s memory will inspire change and prevent future tragedies.

A Parent’s Grief: The Unbearable Loss of Bozhidara

Seven years have passed since Daniel’s child, Bozhidara, tragically lost their life due to a reckless driver. The pain remains as raw as the day of the accident. My child died because someone decided that life was a joke and speed was for fun, Daniel poignantly stated, encapsulating the family’s enduring grief and frustration.

The Accident and Immediate Aftermath

Bozhidara was rushed to St. George Hospital in Plovdiv following the devastating collision. Despite undergoing emergency surgery, the injuries sustained were too severe, and Bozhidara succumbed to them 25 days later. the family’s world was irrevocably shattered.

A Tortuous Legal Battle: Navigating the Courts

the pursuit of justice has been a long and arduous journey for the grieving family. The case has wound its way through the District Court and the Court of Appeal in Plovdiv. Initially, a sentence of one and a half years and a four-year driving ban were imposed. However, following an appeal to the Supreme Court of Cassation, the case was sent back to Plovdiv for reconsideration. Just last Wednesday, magistrates increased the sentence to two and a half years, a decision that, while welcomed, still feels insufficient to the family.

The Broader Context: Road Safety and Justice

this case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding road safety and the perceived leniency of sentences for dangerous driving offenses. According to recent statistics from the European Road Safety Observatory,traffic fatalities remain a significant issue across europe,with speeding being a major contributing factor. Incidents like this underscore the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a re-evaluation of sentencing guidelines to ensure that justice is served and that potential offenders are deterred.

“Speeding is a critical risk factor, contributing to approximately 30% of fatal collisions.”

European Road Safety Observatory

The Enduring Wait for justice

Even with the increased sentence, the family feels that true justice remains elusive. The emotional toll of the legal proceedings,coupled with the irreplaceable loss of a loved one,has left an indelible mark. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the long, often frustrating, road to seeking accountability.

A Father’s Seven-Year Wait for Justice

For seven long years, Daniel Todorov, the father of Bojidara, who tragically lost her life in a traffic accident, has remained largely silent. Now, he is breaking his silence, driven by a desperate need for justice and a desire to prevent similar tragedies. Todorov is imploring prosecutors to reclassify the charges against the driver responsible for his daughter’s death from “causing death by negligence” to “premeditated murder.”

Beyond Bojidara: A Call for Systemic Change

Todorov’s plea extends beyond his personal tragedy. He envisions a future where the roads are safer for all children. Life imprisonment won’t bring my daughter back, but we do this for all the children. I do not want to have more killed Bozhidara, the killed Siana, the killed Annie and Yavor… he stated, highlighting the growing number of fatalities. Recent statistics paint a grim picture: in April alone, over 23 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, and more than 110 sustained serious injuries.

Shocking Revelations and Systemic Failures

Adding to the family’s anguish, Todorov revealed a disturbing detail: the driver involved in the fatal accident was initially not detained. The driver was not even detained after the fatal disaster,he was left without any measure,and the prosecutor’s office did not take his booklet despite our repeated requests in the pre -trial phase. As if nothing happened. A year later, the same driver was reportedly apprehended under the influence of drugs in Haskovo. Despite this, he remains a professional driver today, albeit conditionally.

The Ripple Effect of Injustice: A Family Torn Apart

The tragedy and perceived lack of justice have had a profound impact on Bojidara’s family. Her sister,Sofia,unable to cope with the situation,sought a new life abroad. The sister of Bozhidara – Sofia, a year after the tragedy asked us to give her a power of attorney to leave the country. She did not endure. She could see how the guilty does not pay in Bulgaria. Today she lives and works in England and refuses to return. The family’s remaining son now faces an uncertain future, overshadowed by the events of the past.

A Generational Viewpoint on Bulgaria’s Challenges

Todorov reflects on the state of Bulgaria, drawing on a conversation with his father from three decades ago.30 years ago,my father told me that after 30 years Bulgaria will be fine. What happened? Now it is worse because we are separated. We have to unite. He passionately calls for judicial reform,urging judges to consider the profound impact of their decisions. I want the judges to give sentences as if their child was killed on the road. Will they then sentence 1.5 years in prison if a magistrate or MP was killed!

The Fight for Road Safety and Justice

Daniel Todorov’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents and the urgent need for stricter laws, consistent enforcement, and a judicial system that prioritizes justice and road safety. His fight for Bojidara is a fight for all victims of reckless driving and a call for a safer future on Bulgaria’s roads. The keywords are: traffic accidents, road safety, justice, negligence, premediated murder, fatalities, injuries, judicial reform.