The Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors in Bulgaria on Friday of being used, once again, to target officials involved in institutional reform. The accusations followed statements by Interior Ministry acting Secretary General Georgi Kandev, who claimed he faced pressure and was subjected to false testimony regarding unspecified wrongdoing. At a party briefing, Yes, Bulgaria co-chair Ivaylo Mirchev stated that the prosecution service was being utilized as part of what he termed the “Borissov-Peevski model.” Mirchev asserted that this model continues to operate, suggesting the prosecution is being used to target reformers.
These comments followed Kandev’s earlier claim on Facebook that he had been pressured and warned to “go home,” citing calls from unknown numbers alleging false testimony at the Sofia City Prosecution Office, which he stated was an attempt to force his resignation. Mirchev labeled the pressure against Kandev, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev, and caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov as retaliation for guaranteeing fair elections. He called the current actions unacceptable, alleging that interrogations and allegations against Kandev and the interior minister were fabricated.
Furthermore, Mirchev announced that the party had submitted an alert to the prosecution service regarding a journalistic investigation by BIRD. The investigation alleged recordings of conversations between former Supreme Administrative Court chairman Georgi Cholakov and an intermediary concerning bribes paid for court decisions. Mirchev criticized Cholakov, calling him “Peevski’s lawyer,” and suggested the court was benefiting those in power.
Bozhanov added that the prosecution and the Inspectorate to the Supreme Judicial Council should thoroughly review related reports and examine the assets of senior magistrates, including acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov and Cholakov. Yes, Bulgaria also indicated plans to request a parliamentary hearing regarding private jet usage by Delyan Peevski, alleging undeclared travel inconsistent with his reported finances.
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