site.btaVelichie Supporters Hold Demonstration in Sofia in Support of Those Detained in Historical Park Case

Supporters of the Velichie party held a demonstration outside the Palace of Justice in Sofia Thursday in support of those detained in a case related to the Historical Park project.

Chanting "Resign," "We hate you for free," and "Freedom," the demonstrators demanded the release of Anatoli Savov, Nikolay Hitov, Plamen Kanchev, Biser Sivkov, Eftim Valchanov, Emil Eftimov, and Nikolay Kutsarov.

Later in the day, the court is scheduled to review the measures for the seven individuals, who are charged with participation in an organized crime group. On November 29, the Sofia City Court ruled to remand them in custody, citing the risk that they might commit new crimes. A decision is expected later on Thursday on whether they will remain in custody or be placed under a lighter measure.

On November 26, the Sofia City Prosecution Office carried (SCPO) out a large-scale joint specialized operation with the Anti-Corruption Commission in the cities of Sofia, Varna, Shumen and Pazardzhik and the village of Neofit Rilski. The investigation concerns circumstances related to the establishment and leadership of an organized criminal group around the Historical Park tourist attraction, active throughout the country in the period from 2013 to 2025, the prosecution service said. The group represents a structured and lasting association of three or more persons with the aim of committing coordinated crimes in the country punishable by more than three years’ imprisonment, and was created for profit and to commit offences – embezzlement by officials, fraud, and money laundering. 

The protesters vowed to stay in front of the Palace of Justice until a decision is made. Using a megaphone, they declared that "they did not bow down despite all the attacks from the authorities."