Bulgarian Petrohan-Okolchitsa case investigation

The ‘Petrohan-Okolchitsa’ case has triggered significant political and social scrutiny in Bulgaria. Initially, Deputy Speaker Atanas Atanasov suggested that revelations in the case were a strategic distraction intended to divert attention from other political scandals, including those involving Vice President Yotova.

Following these developments, President Rumen Radev issued a strong condemnation of the suspects, specifically labeling one accused, Kalushev, a ‘cold-blooded killer of children’ and an ‘outright pedophile.’ Radev characterized the group as a ‘sect and pedophilic organization’ and questioned how such an entity could operate for years with political and financial support while functioning with the legitimacy of a state agency.

The President also raised concerns regarding the ability of an NGO to control territories, register weapons, and obstruct the movement of citizens. In connection to the case, the Ministry of Education and the prosecutor's office have begun investigating irregularities at the Kosmos private school, where one deceased student was enrolled, focusing on unrecorded absences and potential failures in official duties.