You should be allowed to communicate with the outside world freely using various methods of communication such as letters or the telephone. Certain means of communication such as mobile phones are prohibited due to security concerns.
Letters and telegrams
You are allowed to send and receive an unlimited number of letters and telegrams while you are in prison. Generally, you will have to pay for sending your letters and telegrams to family friends and other contacts.
If you cannot afford to communicate with the outside world at all, the prison administration must help by providing a pen or paper or similar assistance. In exceptional circumstances, if you cannot afford it yourself, the prison administration has to cover the costs of correspondence with your lawyer and state institutions and international organizations.
Telephone conversations
While you are in prison, you may call people outside, using the prison telephone. You must pay for it. You are not allowed to use a mobile phone in prison.
Under Bulgarian law the number of telephone conversations you can make per month does not depend on the level of security and the type of regime at the prison.
If you are in an investigative prison awaiting your trial, you may use the phone every day.
What human rights violation may there be?
Your communication with the outside world may be restricted, and if not done lawfully, may violate your right to a private and family life. Read more about the lawfulness of restrictions.
For restrictions on correspondence with your lawyer or state institutions, read the section on privileged correspondence.