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Every day in Bulgarian history holds a story worth remembering. In this recurring series, On This Day in Bulgaria, we look back at notable events, decisions, and milestones that happened on this date across the country’s history.

National Assembly building, Sofia, Bulgaria
The National Assembly building, Sofia. Photo: MrPanyGoff, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

July 24, 2007 — The Release of the Bulgarian Nurses

Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, who had been sentenced to death in Libya over a wrongful HIV infection case in Benghazi, were released from Judaida Prison in Tripoli and flown home to Sofia. Their return followed a major EU-brokered diplomatic effort after their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment; they were pardoned by Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov upon arrival.

Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.