Appeals judge Georgi Ushev withdrew from considering the pre-trial detention measure for the mayor of Varna, Blagoimir Kotsev. This was announced by the court.
Before that, on September 17, another panel of the Sofia Court of Appeal, including judges Alexander Zhelyazkov, Atanaska Kitipova and Desislav Lyubomirov, also withdrew from the case.
The judges justified their decision with the unprecedented negative campaign directed against every judge involved in its consideration.
Judge Ushev"s withdrawal is motivated by the circumstances that in the last few years, lawyers from the law firm representing Mayor Kotsev have taken a number of actions against him, including filing a complaint for disciplinary punishment.
The court"s statement emphasizes that these actions, combined with the public resonance focused exclusively on the personalities of the judges, led to the magistrate_q_s decision to recuse himself.
It is obvious that the pressure on the judicial system is significant and creates concerns about objectivity and impartiality in the process.
The situation highlights the need for more effective protection of judges from such attempts at influence, as well as a thorough discussion of the balance between public interest and the need for independent justice.
The case, which is the subject of strong public interest, remains without an appointed panel to consider the pre-trial detention measure for the time being.
The tension surrounding the case is palpable, and the lack of a quick decision could lead to a further escalation of tension.