A Regional Center for Free Legal Aid has opened in Ruse

Friday, 19 September 2025

A regional center for consulting and providing free legal aid opened its doors today at the District Court in Ruse. The opening ceremony was also combined with the beginning of the new judicial year. The two festive events were attended by the Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, Deputy Mayor Encho Enchev, the Chairperson of the National Legal Aid Bureau Natalia Ilieva, the Chairperson of the Bar Council at the Ruse Bar Association Zlatan Zlatanov, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ruse Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kremena Rayanova, the public mediator Valentin Dimitrov and others.

In the Marble Hall of the Courthouse, a solemn blessing of water was performed by His Eminence Bishop Makariy of Glavinitsa, Vicar of Metropolitan Nahum of Ruse. After that, the Chairperson of the District Court Nikolinka Chokoeva officially opened the new judicial year and wished it to be a year of trust and public recognition. She stressed the importance of the free legal aid that those in need will receive in the new center, located in the building of the District Court. The Minister of Justice expressed his gratitude to the magistrates, who are the guardians of statehood, and to the employees of the judicial system for fulfilling their daily duty to the homeland. “I also thank you for the creation of this center, which shows those in need who do not have financial means that they are not alone, that there is a state, that there are laws that are above all, that there is a Bulgarian judicial system to protect them,” said Georgiev.

“The creation of the Center is a clear sign that the community is not silent, but acts with care, professionalism and commitment to the most vulnerable,” said Deputy Mayor Encho Enchev. He added: “Your work will change destinies, save lives and build a safer and more just society. You have the important mission to continue to build trust in the justice system through impartiality and dedication to the truth. Every day brings new challenges, but also opportunities to affirm the rule of law. May the new judicial year bring health, wisdom and strength to fulfill your responsible mission, and may the Legal Aid Center be a symbol of hope and empathy,” the deputy mayor emphasized.

At the Regional Center, lawyers from Ruse, registered with the National Legal Aid Bureau, will provide free consultations to victims of domestic violence, children placed in foster families or with relatives, children at risk, people with incomes below the poverty line receiving social benefits, persons seeking international protection, as well as foreigners temporarily placed in specialized homes.

The center is located at 57 Aleksandrovska Street, Courthouse, 1st floor, room 27. Contact number: 082 881 273.

view all >