Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria, has criticised the National Protective Service (NSO) on Facebook over an incident involving journalist Sonya Koltukliyeva.

Earlier today the NSO ordered a check on what its officers did. The incident took place at an event attended by people the service guards, and involved a reporter from the PIK news agency. The military prosecutor's office has been informed.

The background: National Protection Service orders check on its staff after incident with PIK agency representative

"NSO, this is not how it's done! You cannot knock a person to the ground and then just walk past, as if nothing happened. You cannot lay hands on a woman!" Mirchev wrote in his post.

He said he has "huge differences" with the journalist and with how she does journalism, but nothing justifies such treatment and use of force. The MP said the NSO's job is to protect the state from hostile attacks, not those in power from questions, and its response is beyond criticism.

Because the service reports to the president, Mirchev called on Iliana Yotova to demand an explanation at once and to hold those responsible to account.

He said all NSO officers are trained in first aid, and every service car carries the kit for it. If officers judge that someone under their guard has been attacked and the attacker has been subdued, at least one officer should stay at the scene until the proper authorities arrive.