As of April 22, the Sofia City Prosecution Office reported that a total of 166 election-related case files had been opened, in response to allegations concerning its work involving individuals with immunity. During a statement, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov noted that 72 parliamentary candidates holding immunity had been implicated in vote-buying allegations, although no immunity has been revoked for these individuals. Of these specific case files, seven resulted in pre-trial proceedings, nine were transferred to other offices due to jurisdictional matters, and 96 were assigned for review.
The office also noted that some files were submitted with materials from previously completed checks, while supervising prosecutors individually requested necessary materials for other matters. As of the date mentioned, 68 case files were closed with a refusal to initiate pre-trial proceedings. Many of these closed files were submitted by the Ministry of Interior, concluding that there was insufficient evidence of a crime against political rights or any other offense.
A significant number of closed files were based on anonymous reports containing vague, unsubstantiated claims. The prosecution emphasized that investigations are ongoing for initiated pre-trial proceedings, and immunity may be lifted if sufficient evidence is gathered. Historically, the office reported opening 3,021 case files and initiating 599 pre-trial proceedings from the start of the campaign until April 20.
The Sofia City Prosecution Office asserted that suggestions must be supported by specific data and verifiable facts.
Topics: #immunity #case #files
