site.btaCC Leader Vassilev Warns that Varna Mayor’s Arrest Will Lead to ECHR Judgment against Bulgaria

The case of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev will end with a judgment against Bulgaria at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Continue the Change (CC) party leader Assen Vassilev said in the coastal city of Varna on Wednesday. Vassilev joined a protest in support of Kotsev, which took place in front of the Municipality building for the fifth time. Citizens gathered to express support for the mayor, who was detained on July 8. The previous demonstration in his defence was held on July 18.

“The prosecution costs all of us millions due to [ECHR] judgments against the Bulgarian state,” Vassilev stated, adding that the underlying problem is the arrest of people without sufficient evidence, after which the cases fall apart in court. According to him, the case of Blagomir Kotsev and the broader issue of the rule of law in Bulgaria will be discussed in the European Parliament. He also noted that protests across the country would continue.

Among the protesters dissatisfied with Kotsev’s detention were his deputy mayors, municipal councillors, and local residents. Demonstrators held signs supporting the detained mayor and municipal councillors Nikolay Stefanov and Yordan Kateliev. Some of the slogans read: “Freedom for Varna,” “Freedom for Blago,” “Varna for Blago,” and “Deliver justice - don't run errands!” The crowd chanted in support of the detained individuals.

Organizers announced that a major protest is planned for Sunday, July 27 — the Day of Varna’s Liberation — in support of the mayor.

On July 8, the Prosecutor’s Office announced that the Counter-corruption Commission had launched an operation in Varna under the supervision of the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office (SCP). The following day, the SCP confirmed that four individuals had been charged and detained for 72 hours in connection with a corruption investigation in Varna. On July 11, the Sofia City Court ruled that Varna’s Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, municipal councillors Yordan Kateliev and Nikolay Stefanov, and businessman Ivaylo Marinov would remain in custody. On July 18, the Sofia Appellate Court upheld the decision to keep Kotsev in detention. The judges also ruled that councillors Kateliev and Stefanov would remain in custody.