Defendants in Kotsev case demand charges dropped

Defense attorneys for detained Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev and municipal council members have completed their review of prosecution evidence and requested dismissal of criminal charges. All five defendants stand accused of involvement in an organized crime network, with allegations centering on bribery related to municipal contracts.

Legal representatives for Yordan Kateliyev and Nikolay Stefanov maintain their clients’ innocence. Attorney Ivaylo Kostov argued that accusations against Kateliyev lack merit, noting the public tender in question proceeded through standard channels and went to the bidder offering the lowest cost. Kotsev, his communications consultant Antoaneta Petrova, and a business executive face similar charges alongside the council members.

Dilyana Agova, representing Stefanov, plans to challenge her client’s house arrest conditions and believes current restrictions are excessive. She expressed hope that authorities will soon allow him to return to full performance of municipal responsibilities. Prosecutors have concluded their investigation phase, leaving the matter with defense teams who argue for case termination and release of the accused officials.