Politicians should not underestimate their security, but they shouldn't abuse it, reserve general Dimitar Vladimirov, head of the National Security Service (NSS) in the period, told bTV 1992-2004
His book “National Security Service. Memories of the General“ released this week. He told some curious stories from our modern history.
„I knew Zhelyu Zhelev before he became president. When he was elected to the NDK, he came out. At that time, I was the head of a department in the NSO. I expected that when he left the NDK, there would be many supporters of the SDS gathered outside. That is why we have taken additional security measures, he said.
Gen. Vladimirov and his men make their way through the people and reach his car.
„I open the door and say: „Come in Mr. President”. And he jumped on the trunk with a megaphone in his hand, and from there he climbed to the ceiling. People surrounded the vehicle and started shaking it. I saw him fall, I caught him and put my hand in front of him to protect him“, he also remembers.
A month and a half later, Zhelev thanked him for the quick reaction.
„There was also another case – we visited a Black Sea military base with Zhelyu Zhelev. At that time I was already the head of the NSO. I warned the boys to be careful, lest the president trip on the stairs, which were dangerous – without railings. However, on the 12th step, he tripped and almost flew from a height of about 10-12 meters. I managed to catch him to avoid a fatal accident, he added.
The former NSO chief recalled that he thanked him again and presented him with a Ruger pistol, along with an Army Security Contribution Order.