Kiril Petkov was back in Sofia City Court, where judges are hearing the case over the arrest of GERB leader Boyko Borisov. The former prime minister faces a charge of abuse of office under article 282 of the criminal code, over what prosecutors say happened while he was running the government.
Prosecutors say Petkov personally told police how to carry out the arrests. Police used a fast-track procedure, without prosecutors signing off first, and the court later ruled that all three detentions were entirely unlawful.
In late 2024, acting chief prosecutor Borislav Sarafov asked parliament to strip the former "We Continue the Change" leader of his immunity, citing evidence that Petkov had overstepped his powers as prime minister. In January this year, he was formally charged with committing the crimes while in office.
More than 40 people have given evidence in the pre-trial investigation, and the case file includes video footage among other evidence. Police officers and other witnesses have taken the stand to describe what happened that evening at the Council of Ministers.
Petkov flatly denies the charges and calls the case "political blackmail and a hit job."