site.btaProsecution Service Says Charges for Election-Related Crimes Depend on Evidence, Promises to Report after Elections

In a statement Thursday, the prosecution service said a national interagency task force, involving prosecutors, the Interior Ministry and State Agency for National Security, remains actively engaged in monitoring and responding to alleged violations tied to the 19 April election. The statement emphasizes that charges will be brought when sufficient evidence is gathered, but stressed that such decisions rest solely with supervising prosecutors and must comply with the Criminal Procedure Code.

They promise that a report for all investigations and pre-trial proceedings will be published after the election.

In the statement they urge citizens and organizations to submit alerts and complaints to local prosecutors, promising "swift and lawful action" where there is evidence of crimes affecting political rights.

The announcement comes a day after the Cabinet publicly suggested that prosecutors have not done enough to pursue cases of vote buying, including against parliamentary candidates whose immunity would need to be lifted before charges can proceed.

The task force, established on March 20 by acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov, Interior Minister Emil Dechev and State Agency for National Security head Denyo Denev, is expected to present a full report early next week after the April 19 elections.