We continue the change" (PP) expresses strong outrage at the decision to transfer the legally elected mayor of Varna Blagomir Kotsev from detention to prison – against the background of the court's refusal to consider the application submitted by his defense for a change in the measure of detention and without an effective sentence. The former deputy mayor of Sofia Nikola Barbutov was also transferred on the same grounds. This is stated in a PP position published on Facebook.
"Such synchronized actions raise serious questions about compliance with the principles of the rule of law and whether a dangerous precedent is being created, in which administrative decisions preempt or render meaningless judicial control. This affects fundamental constitutional guarantees – the presumption of innocence, the right to defense and the right to a fair trial", the party writes.
They call for full transparency in the cases and for strict compliance with the law. "Bulgarian citizens have the right to institutions that act independently, consistently and without political motives, and justice should be a guarantee, not a threat", the position also says.
The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office (SGP) told BTA that this is the legal procedure – When the case against a defendant permanently detained in custody enters the trial phase, i.e. the investigation is completed, the defendant is transferred to the relevant prison. This is described in Art. 244 and 245 of the Law on the Execution of Sentences and Detention in Custody.
Last Thursday, the SGP filed an indictment with the Sofia City Court in the case against the mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev. A day later, the case against Nikola Barbutov also entered the court.