The Sofia City Court kept Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev in custody, rejecting his defense's request to change the pre-trial measure of "detention in custody". The decision, which is not final and is subject to appeal, was made after a long session, the atmosphere of which was tense and emotional. Harsh words were heard from the courtroom, and outside, those present anxiously awaited the outcome.
Mayor Kotsev is accused of serious crimes – offering a bribe and participation in an organized crime group. Judge Ani Zaharieva confirmed that there is sufficient oral and written evidence to support the reasonable assumption of Kotsev's involvement in the acts. According to the judge, although there is no danger of him absconding, there is a serious danger that the accused may commit another crime if he is released. The court also explicitly rejected the arguments of political persecution against Kotsev, stating that they are not based on the evidence collected in the case.
Disagreements and Strong Reactions
The presence of the former co-chairman of "We Continue the Change" Kiril Petkov at the court hearing sparked strong media interest. After the decision was pronounced, he did not hide his indignation, describing the case as "outrageous". Petkov expressed his opinion that the defense's arguments were extremely strong, while the prosecution was unprepared and without arguments. "Their job was done by the court", he stated, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the course of the process. In an emotional address to the media, Kiril Petkov called on "all free Bulgarians" to come out and protest because "this simply cannot be tolerated". "When we completely lose the judicial system, we no longer have a rule of law, we have chaos", he warned.
Prosecutor Velislava Patarinska responded to a journalistic question regarding the allegations of the political nature of the case, and categorically denied them. "The prosecution does not conduct political cases", she stated. In response to additional questions, Patarinska explained that an investigation is currently underway into the claims of the former deputy mayor of Varna, Dian Ivanov, that he was pressured by the Anti-Corruption Commission to give specific testimony. The prosecution is investigating the officers who interrogated Ivanov but denied that threats were used against his child. Although Ivanov's testimony is part of the prosecution's case, Patarinska stressed that it is not based solely on them. She added that Dian Ivanov had not filed a report for a threat to his life.
Parental Concern and Doubts
For her part, the accused's mother, Evelina Kotseva, introduced another point of view into the complex situation. She told the media that she had received information from common acquaintances and classmates of her son and Dian Ivanov that Ivanov's children had been pressured by officials to get him to testify. However, Evelina Kotseva clarified that she had not spoken personally with Dian Ivanov. Her words underscored the tension and the different points of view surrounding the investigation against the mayor of Varna.