The National Assembly of Bulgaria has granted far-reaching powers to the police in a new bill passed on 23 March. The police can now compel mobile phone companies to hand over client data without seeking prior approval from a judge. This includes location data and browsing history, effectively granting full access to the smartphones of anyone in the country. 

Prior to this new legislation, movement was already severely restricted. Police have set up roadblocks throughout the country to demand people prove travel is work related. Lawyers who have been stopped have reported being asked questions about their clients and to provide their home address.

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