Hundreds of people filled the area in front of the Palace of Justice in downtown Sofia. The reason — the detention of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, which many call “illegal” and “politically motivated”. From there the discontent broadened into a call for judicial reform, a fight against corruption and the resignations of leaders from the GERB and MRF coalition.
Mood and slogans
- Chants of “Mafia” and “Resign”.
- The protesters waved mainly EU flags, as well as the Bulgarian tricolour was visible.
- Many participants carried placards: “The law is not a baton”, “Justice now”.
How the march unfolded
The column set off from Vitosha Street, crossed National Assembly Square, and part of the crowd reached the Largo and the former Party House building at Serdika metro station. Police halted traffic along the route and watched over proceedings calmly, with no serious incidents.
How it came to this
Kotsev was detained on 8 July on charges of participating in an organised crime group. His defence claims witness statements were “extracted under pressure”. The case unlocked long‑standing discontent with the way the justice system and political parties run the country.
What’s next
The civic initiative “Justice for All” announced new demonstrations if the Court of Appeal on does not uphold the complaint against Kotsev’s detention. Solidarity rallies are being prepared in Varna, Ruse, as well as in front of Bulgarian diplomatic missions in Brussels and Berlin.