Bulgaria’s National Assembly adopted at first reading amendments to the Criminal Code related to the introduction of severe punishment for migrant smuggling and human trafficking. According to the amendments, those who help foreign nationals stay illegally in Bulgaria or cross illegally that country are to face severe punishments. The amendments were proposed by ABV party in connection with the increased migration flow through Bulgaria’s state borders.  GERB, the Patriotic Front, Ataka and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms voted in favor of those amendments.