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Plevan, Bulgaria – A dispute between a former prosecutor and current leadership is unfolding in Bulgaria, raising questions about the independence and governance within the country’s prosecutorial system. Vladimir Nikolov, the former district prosecutor of Plevan, has publicly criticized the current acting Chief Prosecutor, Borislav Sarafov, alleging an authoritarian style of management and calling for his removal, describing him as “toxic” and lacking legitimacy in the position. The accusations have prompted a swift response from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria.

Nikolov’s claims center around what he describes as a pattern of undue influence and pressure within the prosecution service. He asserts that all allegations of administrative pressure on prosecutors are dismissed without proper investigation. The controversy comes as the legal community awaits a Constitutional Court ruling on the legality of the six-month limit for an acting Chief Prosecutor, a matter directly impacting Sarafov’s position.

The Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria (APB) and its new leader, Elitsa Kalpachka, who also serves as the district prosecutor of Blagoevgrad, have strongly refuted Nikolov’s assertions. Kalpachka released a statement to the media, asserting that the APB would not be used as “a backdrop for personal drama and self-promotion.” She accused Nikolov of running the association as a “personal instrument” during his tenure, claiming it was the most dependent period in the organization’s history. According to Kalpachka, Nikolov was perceived as closely aligned with former Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev and leveraged that relationship for career advancement. Visshiyat Sadeben Săvet (VSS) reported on the decision to remove Nikolov from his post.

Kalpachka also defended Sarafov’s presence at the APB’s recent elections, despite his non-membership, stating that he left before the voting commenced. She further alleged that numerous violations occurred during Nikolov’s leadership, supported by documented evidence and a completed investigation. “Vladimir Nikolov may change roles and masters, but he cannot erase his tracks,” Kalpachka stated.

Deputy Chairwoman of the APB and Deputy City Prosecutor, Desislava Petrova, echoed these sentiments in a bTV interview, declining to comment on the legality of Sarafov’s position but emphasizing the necessitate to await the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the six-month limit for acting Chief Prosecutors. Epicenter.bg reported on the APB’s response.

Disciplinary Proceedings and Nikolov’s Appeal

The Prosecutor’s Office released details regarding the disciplinary proceedings that led to Nikolov’s removal as district prosecutor of Plevan. He was dismissed due to disciplinary violations, a decision made by the Prosecutor’s College of the Supreme Judicial Council with six votes in favor and one against. Nikolov has vowed to appeal the decision and has already challenged the preliminary execution of the ruling in the Supreme Administrative Court. 24 Chasa provided details on the disciplinary proceedings.

Nikolov, a former chairman of the Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria, has accused Sarafov of exerting pressure and threats, alleging that Sarafov warned him he would “lose everything.” He has been vocal in his criticism of the current leadership, suggesting a need for fundamental change within the prosecutorial system.

The unfolding situation highlights deep divisions within the Bulgarian prosecution service and raises concerns about its independence and accountability. The outcome of Nikolov’s appeal and the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the acting Chief Prosecutor’s term will be critical in shaping the future of the institution.

As the legal battle progresses, observers will be closely watching for any further developments that could shed light on the allegations of political interference and the state of governance within Bulgaria’s prosecutorial system. The case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.

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