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2 clusters · 8 sources · 1 days · First seen 6 days ago · Last updated 5 days ago

Bulgarian political controversy involving Bozhidar Bozhanov

Overview

In October 2026, political tensions rose in Bulgaria involving Bozhidar Bozhanov, co-chairman of Democratic Bulgaria. Bozhanov accused the ruling authorities of attempting to cover up a scandal regarding pardons granted by Vice President Iliana Yotova to drug traffickers, including an individual known as the ‘Pirin Escobar’. He called for an inspection of the Pardon Commission, alleging inconsistent criteria and a lack of expertise.

Concurrently, Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova requested that the National Assembly lift Bozhanov’s parliamentary immunity to allow criminal proceedings regarding an alleged crime of office to continue in the Sofia City Court. Bozhanov characterized the prosecution as a “targeted” action designed to interfere with his pre-election campaign, though he stated his intention to waive his immunity once the request is formally processed.

Specific details of the indictment indicate that the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office is seeking to resume proceedings related to an alleged crime of office under Article 282 of the Penal Code. The allegations stem from Bozhanov’s tenure as Minister of Electronic Governance between May and June 2022, during which he is accused of violating duties related to the Law on Protection of Classified Information and internal public procurement rules. While the criminal proceedings were suspended on September 1, 2026, following his acquisition of immunity as a deputy, Bozhanov has dismissed the prosecution as “order-made” and politically motivated, reiterating his intent to waive immunity voluntarily to expedite the case.

Entities

Boydar Bozhanov · Maria Pavlova · Iliana Yotova · Rumen Radev · PP-DB

Claims

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

[● 3 SOURCES] Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova requested the removal of Bozhidar Bozhanov's immunity from the 52nd National Assembly. euronews.bg · www.dennews.bg · novini247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Bozhanov is accused of a crime of office under Article 282 of the Penal Code. euronews.bg · www.dennews.bg · novini247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The indictment against Bozhanov was filed on October 1, 2025. euronews.bg · www.dennews.bg · novini247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Criminal proceedings were suspended on September 1, 2026, due to Bozhanov's parliamentary immunity. euronews.bg · www.dennews.bg · novini247.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bozhanov intends to waive his immunity once the request is submitted to Parliament. euronews.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bozhanov described the prosecution as a targeted attempt to interfere in the election campaign. euronews.bg

Timeline

5 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Bulgarian Prosecutor General seeks immunity waiver for MP Bozhidar Bozhanov
Bulgaria's acting Prosecutor General has requested the removal of MP Bozhidar Bozhanov's immunity to proceed with a criminal case involving alleged official misconduct during his time as Minister of Electronic'
6 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Boydar Bozhanov alleges scandal over Iliana Yotova pardons
Democratic Bulgaria leader Boydar Bozhanov accused Vice President Iliana Yotova of pardoning repeat drug offenders and alleged a cover-up regarding the transparency of the pardon process.

Sources

dennews.bg · euronews.bg · frognews.bg · moreto.net · novini247.com · petel.bg · vesti.bg · viaranews.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history