The Ombudsman is a state institution responsible for safeguarding your human rights in Bulgaria. The Ombudsman is independent of the government, parliament and courts.
The Ombudsman can investigate complaints related to potential human rights violations and determine whether your human rights have been violated. He/she can also recommend that legislative and administrative authorities undertake actions to ensure the respect for human rights and to combat the root causes of the human rights violations. The Ombudsman can make recommendations to private entities (such as the electricity, telecommunication or water supply companies) if the latter act to the detriment of the consumer rights.
The Ombudsman cannot interfere in the decisions of the judicial bodies, nor can he/she repeal such acts or lodge an appeal against them. However, where judicial proceedings are unreasonably prolonged he/she can seize the competent bodies responsible for the administration of justice and recommend actions.
example You are suing the state for damages due to the unlawful pre-trial detention you had been subjected for a period of six months. The courts are reluctant to hear your case and make everything possible to prolong the proceedings. The Ombudsman cannot help you to obtain a favourable decision from the courts in your favour. But he/she can help you to accelerate the proceedings by expressing concerns and recommending action to the respective authorities.