Hearings continue in case against Petkov over 2022 arrests
The Sofia City Court heard testimony from police officer Nikolay Vulchev in the case against former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov regarding the arrests of Borisov, Goranoff and Arnaudova. The next hearing is scheduled for 17 June.
Sofia City Court hears investigating police officer in case against Kiril Petkov
The Sofia City Court heard witness Nikolay Vulchev, an investigating police officer at the General Directorate "National Police", in the case against former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, relating to the arrests of Boyko Borisov, Vladislav Goranoff and Sevdalina Arnaudova in 2022. This was reported by 24 Chasa.
Vulchev stated to the court that Petkov—at the time he was serving as Prime Minister—had expressed a desire to be questioned and to give testimony regarding circumstances related to Borisov. According to the witness, after Petkov gave his testimony in the building of the Council of Ministers, the matter of searching Borisov's home address during daylight hours was discussed.
Vulchev clarified that during the search at Borisov's home, everything prohibited by law was supposed to be sought, rather than a specific item. "Then I understood that we would also go to the address of Vladislav Goranoff and to one more woman, whose name I do not remember," he added.
During the hearing, the prosecutor requested that protocols from Vulchev's previous testimony be read, citing his repeatedly stated inability to recall details, as well as partial contradictions in his testimony. After the protocols were read, the judge scheduled the next hearing for witness testimony on 17 June.
Another witness—police officer Valentin Marinov, who was supposed to be questioned the same day—did not appear, as he is currently on an official trip, reported BTA.
The case against Petkov concerns official crimes committed in his capacity as Prime Minister. During the proceedings it became known that a meeting was held in the Prime Minister's office, attended by then-ministers Boyko Rashkov and Asen Vasilev, as well as senior officials of the General Directorate "National Police". The meeting discussed investigative actions that led to the arrests of Borisov, Goranoff and Arnaudova.
Source: 24 Chasa