The acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Georgi Kandev, stated on Friday that he had faced pressure regarding his professional duties. In a video statement, Kandev reported receiving multiple calls on Thursday from undisclosed numbers via a mobile application. He alleged that these communications informed him that an individual known as “Kartofa,” along with associates, were providing false testimony against him at the Sofia City Prosecution Office (SCPO).
Kandev further claimed that the scenario was allegedly organized by a former official within the Ministry of Interior named “Svetlyo.” He publicly questioned the legitimacy of the testimony presented and the motives behind the timing of the events. Prime Minister Andrey Gurov issued a statement supporting Kandev, characterizing the alleged pressure as a “vendetta” occurring at the SCPO under prosecutor Emilia Rusinova. Interior Minister Emil Dechev also voiced full support for Kandev, asserting that the actions represented dirty tactics from “old cops” aimed at undermining the Secretary General.
Other political figures commented on the situation. Assen Vassilev described the threats against Kandev as “scandalous,” advocating for judicial system reforms. Meanwhile, the Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors of being utilized to target officials involved in institutional reform, referencing perceived patterns of state influence within the judiciary.
The incident has drawn attention to internal tensions within the Ministry and the broader judicial oversight mechanisms.
Topics: #kandev #ministry #secretary
What specific nature of pressure or demands was placed on the Ministry Secretary General?