On 25.04.2023 in the city of Varna, 26.04.2023. in the city of Burgas, 27.04.2023. in the city of Plovdiv and 04.05.2023. in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Law and Internet Foundation hosted a national seminar on the topic: Theoretical and practical aspects regarding the probative value of electronic evidence, their credibility and admissibility before the Court. The training aims to improve the practical implementation of the presumption of innocence in the context of e-evidence and enhance the capacity of relevant stakeholder groups to address the more effective use of e-evidence.
The event is organised within the framework of the INNOCENT project, addressing the procedural rights of persons suspected or accused of crime, namely their right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and how e-evidence should be construed in this context.
The training was organised in partnership with the Courts of Appeal Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo respectively, while the following speakers carried out the training - Judge Angelina Lazarova, , Dr. Gergana Varbanova (lawyer), lawyer Bogdan Petrov and Dr. Alexander Kirkov. The total number of participants was 114 from the respective regional legal community.
The following questions were discussed during the training:
- the existing legal framework for the use of electronic evidence during the criminal procedure in Bulgaria, as well as good practices established by the practice of the ECtHR and the CJEU.
- The protection of the presumption of innocence and other rights and guarantees in the context of the use of electronic evidence.
- The evaluation of electronic evidence by an expert witness. Applicability and admissibility of electronic evidence in the court.
