[REVISION HISTORY]

Police violence and detention allegations in Kardzhali

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2026-10-22 12:25 UTC → 2026-10-23 06:08 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In mid-October 2026, Erol Mumyun, the Mayor of Kardzhali and Deputy Chairman of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), reported dozens of complaints regarding alleged physical violence by police against citizens in the Kardzhali region. Mumyun stated that these reports had been increasing over recent months and called for explanations from the Ministry of Interior. The DPS parliamentary group subsequently demanded the resignation of Chief Commissioner Stery Milchev, the Director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Kardzhali. By late October, the situation escalated when police entered the municipal building to detain Mayor Mumyun for questioning. While the specific reasons or formal charges for his detention were not immediately released, the incident occurred alongside ongoing investigations by the Prosecutor’s Office into other local officials regarding public procurement and fund management. In response to the mayor’s arrest, the DPS party called for citizens to gather in support at the regional police directorate. On October 22, reports indicated that Mumyun was taken from his office and his home was searched. Mumyun characterized the police action as “political repression,” stating the investigation stems from a 2024 claim by a former ~~employee~~ employee, Monika Atanasova, alleging pressure to resign—a claim Mumyun disputes, noting the individual was dismissed for disciplinary ~~reasons.~~ reasons and had previously lost legal battles regarding her dismissal. This incident follows the recent arrests of DPS mayors from Sungurlare and ~~Belitsa.~~ Belitsa, as well as previous police operations involving the deputy mayor and municipal secretary of Kardzhali. DPS officials, including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Aiten Sabri, condemned the actions as targeted political pressure against their party and the Turkish and Muslim communities in Bulgaria. ~~Hundreds~~ In response, hundreds of supporters gathered at the Kardzhali Regional Directorate to show solidarity. Prime Minister Rumen Radev has rejected claims of political bias, stating that institutions are acting based on corruption reports and legal procedures.

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