Title: "We Won’t Stop, We’re Fighting for a Normal State": Kiril Petkov’s Defiant Stance as He Faces Charges
In a bold display of resolve, Kiril Petkov, co-leader of "We Continue the Change" (PPD), maintained his defiant stance as he entered the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, where he is expected to be formally charged. The allegations stem from his involvement in the arrest of former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Vladislav Goranov, and Sevdalina Arnaudova in March 2022.
"I have not committed any crime," Petkov assertively declared. "This is a political attack." He was joined by fellow party members and supporters, including former Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, Aтанас Атанасов, Божидар Божанов, Lerna Borislavova, and various mayors, who gathered outside the prosecutor’s office.
Petkov, a former Prime Minister himself, alleged that the case against him was politically motivated and orchestrated by Chief Prosecutor Borislav Saratov. He stated, "Lacho [Borisov] is in jail without any guilt. They have raised an indictment and now they want Lerna Borislavova’s immunity. Saratov is the machine that won’t stop with him. Pepenski is the man who’s running this show right now. Angel Khan is not a coincidental prosecutor."
Petkov vowed to defend his position, maintaining that he had not committed any crime. He also expressed his lack of trust in Angel Khan, the prosecutor overseeing the case. Before the holiday season, Petkov had already received a summons to appear before the prosecutor’s office.
The state prosecution accuses Petkov of abuse of power during his tenure as Prime Minister. They allege that he unlawfully ordered the arrest of Borisov, Goranov, and Arnaudova, and initiated a pre-trial investigation without the required authority. Additionally, they claim that Petkov compelled investigators to question him without involving the competent prosecutor and authorized raids on their residences at night, without adequate cause.
In response to these allegations, Petkov voluntarily waived his immunity and characterized the situation as "actions of wretched mafia."
The development comes as the political landscape in Bulgaria remains tumultuous, with ongoing power struggles and corruption scandals. As Petkov faces these charges, his party continues to push for transparency and accountability, positioning itself as a reformist force in the country’s political arena.
