You have the right to an oral hearing in three stages of the proceedings.
You are entitled to the right to an oral hearing in the first instance, on appeal and before the Supreme Court of Cassation. The courts at all these instances are obliged under the law to hold oral hearings. However, the rulings of the courts at all instances, which may be appealed through private complaints are considered in closed sessions by the upper courts.
Participation
In Bulgaria, you have a right to be present at oral hearings. You can either attend them yourself or send a representative. Before each hearing, the court will notify you about the date and time of the next hearing. Therefore, you have to be reachable at the address you have given to the court.
If you do not attend the court hearings and do not notify the court in a timely manner about reasons justifying your absence, the court is entitled to examine the case in your absence. An oral hearing must also be accessible to members of the general public.
In special circumstances (for example, cases involving secrets and private and family life issues), members of the general public can be denied access to a hearing.