human rights organisation [in town]. My father brought me there and showed them how I was beaten. In fact, after my release from the police my father brought me first to these people and then wrote to the police and to the prosecution authorities.” Since the minutes record only that said by Mr Assenov, it cannot be established whether or not his statement was made in response to questioning. ii. relevant domestic law and practice A. Gambling 54. Gambling is an administrative offence under Bulgarian law, for which individuals under sixteen years of age are not liable (Article 2(2) of the Law against Speculation). B. Police powers relevant to the 1992 arrests and detention 55. Article 20(1) of the Law on National Police (1976), which applied at the relevant time, provided that a police officer could take to a police station or local government office only those persons: “1. whose identity may not be established; 2. who behave violently and do not obey after warning; 3. who refuse to come voluntarily to a police station without serious reasons for refusal, after having been notified under Article 16 of the present Act; 4. who wilfully create obstacles for the authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in carrying out their duties; 5. who carry or use without lawful permission firearms, other weapons or other dangerous objects; 6. in other cases prescribed by law.” According to Article 20(2) of this Law, in each of the above cases the police were required to carry out an immediate investigation and release the person held within three hours, unless it was necessary to take further lawful measures in respect of him or her. 56. Article 24(1) contained provisions on the use of force by police officers. The use of force “adequate to the character and seriousness of the offence and resistance” (Article 24(2)), was permitted: “1. to bring an end to violent conduct or other serious violation of the public order; 2. in cases of obvious disobedience to police orders or prohibition;