Investigation into Child Abuse in Kableshkovo Moves to Varna

By order of the acting (i.f.) Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov, the investigation into a case of alleged child abuse in a kindergarten in Kableshkovo is being transferred to the jurisdiction of the Regional Prosecutor's Office-Varna, the prosecutor's office announced. This move, following raised concerns, aims to guarantee the objectivity and impartiality of the process.

The case is expected to be assigned to a supervising prosecutor through the mechanism of random distribution. Their task will be to analyze the materials collected so far and assess whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against specific individuals. The transfer of the investigation to another prosecutor's office underlines the institutions' determination to conduct an in-depth and independent investigation into the alleged incident.

The prosecutor's office emphasizes that the transfer of the case has been undertaken to ensure maximum objectivity, efficiency, and impartiality in all actions in the pre-trial proceedings. This move, according to the institution, reflects the prosecutor's office's categorical uncompromisingness towards the perpetrators of crimes.

To speed up the process and ensure its timely completion, prosecutors from the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor's Office (SCP) will provide increased methodological assistance. This is a signal of the importance that the authorities attach to the case.

In early October, the Municipality of Pomorie issued an official position in connection with a televised investigation, which raised questions about child abuse in the kindergarten "Radost" in Kableshkovo. In a publication on the Municipality's official Facebook page, understanding is expressed for the public outrage, but patience is appealed for until the investigation is completed. Obviously, the institutions are aware of the seriousness of the accusations and are striving for maximum transparency.

The Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Ivan Krastev, in response to a parliamentary question, stated that all measures have been proposed to support the family and, in particular, the child. He recalled that the case had long been handed over to the Regional Prosecutor's Office - Burgas. This shows that the state has mobilized its resources to support those affected and assist the investigation.

Krastev assured that the case is being monitored by the teams of the "Social Assistance" Agency and the State Agency for Child Protection. According to him, the reaction from the agencies to the Ministry of Social Affairs was immediate after the signal was received. Coordination mechanisms with the participation of all responsible institutions have been convened twice, he explained.

Prosecutor Maria Markova from the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Burgas announced that there is currently no evidence collected of sexual abuse of a child in the kindergarten "Radost" in Kableshkovo. The investigation, which began in January this year after a report from the child's mother, filed with the police, continues.

The coordination mechanism between the prosecutor's office, the police, social services, the Municipality and medical professionals has been immediately activated. The investigation is being conducted under Article 149 of the Penal Code - for indecent acts.

Prosecutor Markova specified that numerous witnesses have been questioned, including kindergarten staff and parents of other children. Interviews with minor witnesses are forthcoming, which will be conducted with strict adherence to gentle methods to avoid secondary traumatization.

A forensic psychiatric examination has been appointed, which will assess the child's ability to perceive and reproduce facts and circumstances related to the case. The prosecutor's office is ready to appoint a repeated forensic medical examination, including in another judicial district, if new medical data appear.