The IRBDC does not have a copy of the general military service law of Bulgaria. According to a letter from the Department of External Affairs (8 March 1991), Articles 125 to 129 give details of provisions for punishment, most of which are in the form of fines. However, according to Article 126, "evaders of military service will be punished 'on the basis of criminal law'" although no details are given.

The attached excerpt from the Bulgarian Penal Code provides the penalties for "Defection from Military Service" (Chapter 13, Section II, 1987) although it does not specifically mention Article 126 of the general military service law.

The IRBDC in Ottawa has no further information on this subject at the present time.

External Affairs and International Trade Canada. 8 March 1991. Letter from Hector Cowan, Deputy Director, Refugee Policy and Humanitarian Programmes Co-Ordination.

Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria. 1987. Penal Code. Sofia.

External Affairs and International Trade Canada. 8 March 1991. Letter from Hector Cowan, Deputy Director, Refugee Policy and Humanitarian Programmes Co-Ordination.

Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria. 1987. Penal Code. Sofia.