The acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Georgi Kandev, stated on Friday that he faced pressure following an incident on Thursday. In a video posted on Facebook, Kandev recounted receiving multiple calls from unknown numbers. He alleged that these calls informed him that an individual known as “Kartofa” and associates were submitting false testimony against him at the Sofia City Prosecution Office (SCPO).
Kandev questioned the SCPO regarding the testimony provided by individuals who were supposedly convicted or criminally charged, questioning the source and timing of the allegations. Prime Minister Andrey Gurov publicly supported Kandev, asserting that the caretaker government and Bulgarian citizens stood with him. Gurov characterized the alleged pressure against the acting Secretary General as a “vendetta” occurring at the SCPO under prosecutor Emilia Rusinova.
He also criticized former investigating magistrate Petyo Petrov. Interior Minister Emil Dechev echoed this sentiment, stating that “old cops” were employing tactics to undermine the ministry. Dechev expressed full support for Kandev, maintaining confidence in the Secretary General’s integrity.
Political opposition also weighed in. Assen Vassilev described the threats against Kandev as scandalous, advocating for the replacement of the Supreme Judicial Council to achieve judicial reform. Meanwhile, the Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors of being utilized to target officials working on institutional reform, referencing a perceived pattern of influence over the judiciary.
The allegations suggest a dispute involving the oversight of electoral processes within the ministry and the role of the secretary in the ongoing institutional challenges facing Kandev.
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