Bulgaria Ministry of Interior and Prosecution clash over Delyan Peevski investigation

Delyan Peevski Ivan Demerdzhiev Bulgarian prosecution GDBOP political influence

A significant institutional conflict has emerged in Bulgaria between the Ministry of Interior and the Prosecutor's Office. The tension follows an investigation by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) into private flights linked to MP Delyan Peevski, estimated to cost 1.8 million BGN.

The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office has opened a case to determine if GDBOP officers exceeded their authority by investigating an individual with parliamentary immunity. In response, the Prosecutor's Office has seized all investigation materials from the Ministry of Interior. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev criticized the prosecution, suggesting they are attempting to intimidate investigators and protect political figures, stating that the prosecution should focus on its own past inaction rather than criticizing the Ministry.

Political figures have weighed in on the dispute. MP Boyar Bozhdanov accused the prosecution of a 'double standard' and claimed they are protecting Peevski's influence within the judicial system. Meanwhile, lawyer Alexander Kashamov suggested that the prosecution's actions might be influenced by political pressure from Peevski. The Prosecutor's Office has issued a rebuttal, stating that while they support the rule of law, public warnings from an executive official toward prosecutors are 'unacceptable'.

Entities

Boyko Borisov · DPS - Novo Načale · Delyan Peevski · GDBOP · General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime · Ivan Demerdzhiev · Ministry of Interior · Sofia City Prosecutor's Office

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The investigation concerns private flights estimated to cost 1.8 million BGN. trafficnews.bg · www.iskra.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev stated that it is time for the Bulgarian prosecution to demonstrate its impartiality. trafficnews.bg · fakti.bg · telenews.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office has opened a case to investigate whether GDBOP officers exceeded their authority by investigating an individual with parliamentary immunity. trafficnews.bg · fakti.bg · telenews.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lawyer Alexander Kashamov suggested that the prosecution's actions may be influenced by political pressure from Delyan Peevski. safenews.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office requested and received all materials from the GDBOP investigation regarding Delyan Peevski's private flights. trafficnews.bg · www.iskra.bg · fakti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev requested the National Audit Office to verify the assets and declared income of MP Delyan Peevski. fakti.bg · telenews.bg