SPO: Defendants, 'honest' politicians, 'free' journalists against justice

The accused businessmen Vasil Bozhkov and Tsvetan Vassilev are partnering with "honest" politicians and "free" journalists to sabotage the work of Bulgaria's justice system.

This was announced at a briefing on July 14 by the spokesperson of the Chief Prosecutor of Bulgaria Ivan Geshev - Siika Mileva.

"We are witnessing how they are working to destroy the independence of the investigative bodies in an attempt to preserve what they have taken away from the people. The evidence provided by the Specialised Prosecutor's Office - how organized crime, politicians and some journalists act in sync with the justice system, with clear awareness that this is the only way they can guarantee impunity," she said.

"Let every Bulgarian citizen make informed choice of which side to take. The choice, that the whole of Bulgarian society is facing is either to revive the state, or to succumb to pressure and allow the pillage to continue. We will continue to maintain transparency for all elements of our activity. The prosecutor's office will continue the fight for justice until the end, we will not give up and be intimidated. From now on, the other authorities owe an answer," Mileva said.

"We are aware that the prosecution, as part of the judiciary, is indebted to society in ensuring a sense of justice. Achieving this justice is also among the top priorities of the chief prosecutor. At the same time, and unfortunately, using the fair demands of the protesters, defendants who have formed a sense of impunity are using the protests to prevent the work of the Prosecutor's Office from bringing them to justice," she continued.

Mileva was adamant that any judiciary based on the rule of law needs strong, independent and impartial prosecutors ready to investigate individuals, regardless of their position or influence in society.

"The European Court of Human Rights emphasizes that in a democratic society, both the courts and the investigating authorities must remain free from political pressure. Today, the prosecution is under unprecedented, not just political, pressure," the spokesperson for the chief Prosecutor added.

According to her, when Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev took office, the Prosecutor's office was aware of what would happen - the attacks on prosecutors, magistrates and their families.

"Attacks from certain media, and politicians who have already actively joined them, with calls for legality and democracy, without saying what the Prosecutor's office is doing undemocratically and illegally. You will answer the question whether the interests of those in power are intertwined, you will witnesses of how defendants partner with politicians and journalists to protect what was stolen from the Bulgarian people. Citizens should be aware that the campaign against the prosecution is funded by millions and billions of levs stolen from them," Siika Mileva said.

"From now on, the other authorities are the ones to answer. We will do our job by investigating incumbent government officials and representatives of the presidential institution accused of crime. However, it is the legislator that should create adequate legislation, in line with the good European practices for fight against organised crime and corruption. We are also waiting for a response from the President of Bulgaria on how his concept of prosecutorial racketeering and mafia in the Prosecutor's office corresponds to the evidence presented openly to the public about links between representatives of organized crime and what has been happening in recent weeks and days. The Prosecutor’s office is determined not to put anyone above the law," she concluded.

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