Court sends Kotsev case to Varna

Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation has ruled that corruption charges against Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev will proceed in his home city rather than Sofia. Defense attorney Ina Lulcheva accused prosecutors of manipulating jurisdiction by including an unidentified parliamentarian in the indictment to keep proceedings in the capital, describing the tactic as abusive and questioning how any legislator could remain anonymous given their public roles.

Lulcheva anticipates the swift transfer of her client from Sofia detention to Varna facilities and expects immediate review of his custody status. She characterized the evidence as insufficient, noting that witness testimony alleges others solicited bribes on the mayor’s behalf without any direct accusations against Kotsev himself.

The lawyer suggested the prosecution aims to remove Kotsev from office and intimidate potential candidates who might challenge government interests rather than pursue a factual determination.