The National Assembly of Bulgaria has approved sweeping amendments to the country’s child protection framework, granting the public access to part of the National Register for Cases of Pedophilia. The decision marks one of the most far-reaching transparency measures aimed at safeguarding minors in recent years.
Under the new rules, citizens will be able to view the names of convicted offenders, details about the nature of their crimes, and the sentences handed down by courts. Authorities say the change is intended to improve awareness and prevent repeat offenses by increasing public vigilance.
For foreign nationals living in Bulgaria who were convicted abroad, the register will also disclose their country of origin. Lawmakers argue that this additional information helps ensure accountability regardless of where crimes were committed.
The amendments were proposed by Tsveta Rangelova, a member of the nationalist party Revival. Rangelova said the reform is about empowering parents and communities rather than stigmatizing individuals.
“Those convicted of pedophilia should not remain anonymous,” she told parliament during debate. “Citizens have the right to know which offenders are among us. Protecting children must come before protecting the reputations of criminals.”
Her remarks echoed growing public frustration over cases in which institutions were accused of failing to intervene early enough to prevent harm. Critics of the previous system argued that keeping such information restricted to authorities limited communities’ ability to protect themselves.
Rangelova pointed to the notorious Petrohan case as a stark example of institutional breakdown. The investigation exposed allegations of manipulation, abuse, and delayed responses from officials, leaving families to act on their own.
The scandal, which dominated national headlines, prompted renewed calls for stricter oversight and more transparency. Many parents’ groups have since demanded greater access to information about convicted offenders living in their neighborhoods.
Support also came from Hamid Hamid of DPS-New Beginning, who warned that crimes against minors are becoming more brazen. He described the amendment as an urgent step to curb a troubling rise in offenses targeting children.
“We are seeing increasingly daring acts against minors,” Hamid said. “The state must respond decisively. This register will help society identify risks and prevent future tragedies.”
Proponents believe public access will deter offenders from reoffending, knowing their identities are no longer shielded. They also argue that schools, community groups, and parents can use the information responsibly to ensure safer environments for children.
However, the measure has not been without controversy. Some legal experts cautioned that making personal data widely available could raise privacy concerns and complicate rehabilitation efforts for those who have already served their sentences.
Human rights advocates stressed the importance of balancing public safety with constitutional protections. They called for strict safeguards to prevent misuse of the information or vigilantism.
Government representatives responded by noting that only verified convictions will be listed, and the data released will be limited to essential details. Officials said the system will include monitoring mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with European data protection standards.
The Ministry of Justice is expected to oversee the technical rollout of the updated register. Authorities are developing an online platform that will allow citizens to search for relevant information securely and responsibly.
Child protection organizations have welcomed the reform, describing it as a step toward rebuilding trust between families and institutions. They say transparency can serve as both a preventive tool and a signal that the state takes crimes against children seriously.
For many parents, the vote represents long-awaited action after years of high-profile cases that shook confidence in the system. “If this helps even one child stay safe, it’s worth it,” said one mother outside parliament after the decision.
The amendments are set to come into force later this year, once implementation guidelines are finalized. As Bulgaria moves forward, the effectiveness of the public register will likely be closely watched, both domestically and across Europe, as other nations weigh similar measures to strengthen child protection.