site.btaCitizens Protest in Central Sofia, Call for Resignation of Acting Prosecutor General, MRF – New Beginning Leader
Citizens assembled in front of the Palace of Justice in Sofia on Wednesday evening to protest under the slogan "Resistance Against Dictatorship," advocating for the rule of law. Protesters demanded the resignation of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov, along with other officials "serving in acting capacities."
The demonstration was organized by the Justice for All initiative. The organizers also called for the protection of the fundamental principles of the rule of law.
Amendments to the Judicial System Act adopted in January limit the term of an acting prosecutor general to six months. Despite this, Sarafov has remained in the post well beyond the legal limit, having served since June 2023. A new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which was to be elected by July 21 and tasked with appointing a new prosecutor general and a new SAC president, has not yet been formed. Nevertheless, the SJC's Prosecutors Chamber ruled that the six-month limit does not apply to Sarafov, arguing the provision is not retroactive and he may continue to serve.
Demonstrators carried posters reading “Democracy is in a coma” and “Has our struggle for justice been diminished to nothing more than a comfortable protest march?” The crowd waved Bulgarian and EU flags. Police presence in the area was heightened.
The protest transitioned into a march, which temporarily blocked traffic in downtown Sofia. Chanting “Peevski – disgrace, resignation and jail” and “Shishi out,” the demonstrators voiced strong opposition to MRF – New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski. BTA notes that "Shishi" is a derogatory nickname for Peevski.
“We are protesting for the restoration of democracy and the liberation of the captured judiciary,” Justice for All Chair Velislav Velichkov told BTA. “We want [Delyan] Peevski out of the judiciary,” he added.
Yes, Bulgaria Co-leader Ivaylo Mirchev stated that none of the country's institutions are functioning properly, and all processes are handled informally by phone. “Such a situation should not occur in an EU Member State,” he said. According to Mirchev, MRF – New Beginning decides whether government continues to exist, but Yes, Bulgaria is prepared to offer an alternative. “That’s why today we announced a plan for resistance and opposition to the captured state,” Mirchev said.
Commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov’s recent visit to China, Mirchev's colleague Bozhidar Bozhanov said that if Zafirov resigns, as Yes, Bulgaria has demanded, it could destabilize the government. “The government claims to be Euro-Atlantic, yet one of its deputy PMs turns out to be leaning East,” he said. According to Bozhanov, this should cause serious turbulence for the ruling coalition if they intend to uphold their Euro-Atlantic commitments.
Regarding Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev’s detention, Bozhanov alleged that the prosecution is using all available means to circumvent the law in order to keep Kotsev in detention.
/RY/
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