The Varna public continues to express sharp discontent against the arrest of the local government, organizing a series of civic protests. On August 15, on a symbolic day for the maritime capital, dozens of citizens gathered in front of a restaurant associated with business woman Plamenka Dimitrova, who is a key witness in the investigation.
Demonstrators carried placards with decisive messages demanding the release of Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and insisting on justice. The protest was a direct response to a series of arrests carried out by anti-corruption authorities on July 8, when four people were detained on suspicion of corruption crimes.
The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office brought charges against Mayor Kotsev, municipal councilors Jordan Kateliev and Nikolay Stefanov, as well as local businessman Ivaylo Marinov. On July 11, the Sofia City Court ordered their detention in custody, which provoked a sharp public reaction.
The Appellate Court confirmed the initial decision on July 18, leaving the three politicians in arrest. Only Ivaylo Marinov was released on bail due to a lack of direct evidence of complicity.
Parallel to the protest, "We Continue the Change" leader Asen Vasilev took legal action, filing a claim against Plamenka Dimitrova for non-pecuniary damages due to her testimony. This further complicates the already tense political situation in Varna.
Previous protest actions included blocking key intersections on July 27, demonstrating the escalating public tension around the case. Citizens are calling for transparency and justice in the investigation against the local government.