Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev is being moved to a correctional facility within the city he leads as his legal case progresses, raising questions about his ability to fulfill his mayoral duties. Kotsev, initially arrested on unspecified charges earlier this month, will face a hearing on his pre-trial detention this wednesday before the Varna District Court[[1]]. The case is unfolding against a backdrop of public protest and scrutiny of the Varna Municipal Election Commission’s response to the situation.
Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev is being transferred back to the city of Varna, where he previously held office, as his legal case proceeds. A convoy carrying Kotsev departed from the Central Sofia Prison today and is en route to a correctional facility in Varna.
The move comes as Kotsev’s case has been transferred to the Varna District Court, which is scheduled to hear arguments regarding his pre-trial detention on November 27. Judge Svetla Daskalova is assigned as the reporting judge in the case.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the Varna Municipal Election Commission did not address the possibility of removing Kotsev from his position during a meeting held Sunday. The situation has drawn public attention, with several hundred people gathering to protest in front of the Palace of Culture and Sports.
Lawyers representing Kotsev are seeking to have his detention order modified. The Varna District Court will hold an open hearing on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to consider those requests, according to BGNES. The case highlights the complexities of legal challenges facing elected officials.
Kotsev was initially arrested on unspecified charges, prompting the investigation and subsequent detention order. The upcoming court hearing will determine whether he will remain in custody while the legal process unfolds.
