According to representatives of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in Sofia and the embassy of Bulgaria in Washington, article 39 of the penal code is still in effect and has not been amended since 1986 (20 May 1994; 27 May 1994).

For a copy of article 39, please consult the attached document.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, Washington. 27 May 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Research Institute, Sofia. 20 May 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Bulgaria, Ministry of Justice. Penal Code. 1987. p. 10.