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Public lecture by Prof. David Walsh on the Principles of Mendez at Varna Free University
15 Април 2026
A public lecture by David Walsh - a professor of criminal investigations at De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom - was held today at Varna Free University. Prof. Walsh is visiting the university at the invitation of Prof. Dobrinka Chankova – a lecturer at the Faculty of Law and an established researcher. The topic focused on the nature and challenges in applying the Méndez Principles – international standards for effective investigative interviewing and information gathering, adopted under the auspices of the United Nations in 2021.
During the lecture, modern approaches and techniques for interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses were presented. The emphasis was placed on practices grounded in law, science, and ethics, which enhance the effectiveness of investigations and ensure the protection of human rights.
The lecture attracted the interest of students and lecturers, as well as practitioners – judges, prosecutors, investigators, and employees of the Ministry of Interior. The event is part of the European COST Action ImpleMéndez, which is part of a global campaign to implement the Méndez Principles in national legal systems.
Prof. Walsh also presented his academic and professional experience, spanning more than 20 years as an investigator. He has worked within UK government institutions and has an active research profile with numerous publications in the field of investigative interviewing.
A day earlier, he held a working meeting with Vice President Yani Yanev and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Kalinova. During the meeting, opportunities for academic cooperation and the development of education in the field of criminal investigations were discussed.
