The Varna Court of Appeal confirmed the ruling of the District Court, by which the measure of non-detention of the defendant mayor Blagomir Kotsev was changed from “detention in custody“ to a bail of 200,000 leva.
We recall that he was brought to court for participation in a criminal conspiracy, solicitation of bribes and coercion for the purpose of property gain. Kotsev's defense appealed the amount of the bail. The appeal claims that the court did not motivate why it set this amount, that there is not enough data on the defendant's financial situation, and that there is no reasonable assumption of authorship of the crime. The lawyers requested either a lighter measure, such as a recognizance, or no measure at all.
However, the Court of Appeals found the appeal unfounded. The court emphasized that the evidence - witness statements, written documents and other evidence - supported the charge of participating in a criminal conspiracy and soliciting a bribe.
According to the court, the gravity of the crimes and the fact that the acts were committed by a person holding a public position increase their public danger. This requires a guarantee that would ensure the normal course of the trial and prevent the risk of absconding or committing a new crime.
The court noted that the amount of the guarantee must correspond to the defendant's financial capabilities. Sufficient data was collected on his financial situation in the case, including additional income during the period 2022-2024. The conclusion is that the amount of 200,000 leva would not jeopardize his social functioning and the maintenance of his family.
Therefore, the Court of Appeal confirmed the determined guarantee and rejected the request for its reduction. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.
After the personal data is anonymized, it will be published on the Unified Portal for e-Justice.