# Slavi Trifonov controversy regarding Petrohan case

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slavi-trifonov-political-and-social-controversies
> Updated: 2026-09-27T18:22:40.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

Slavi Trifonov, leader of the ‘There Is Such a People’ party, has engaged in a series of actions and criticisms regarding the ‘Petrohan’ case in Bulgaria.

In early September, Trifonov issued an open letter criticizing Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev, accusing him of autocratic behavior and a lack of transparency. Trifonov specifically questioned the minister’s failure to provide updates on the ‘Petrohan’ case by the promised August deadline, asking, “Why are you lying? Whom are you covering up?”

By late September, the situation escalated when Trifonov announced he had personally destroyed a controversial memorial plaque at Petrohan Pass. He described the monument as a ‘sinister mockery of morality and legality’ because it listed a convicted killer alongside his victims. Journalist Martin Karbowski accompanied Trifonov during the removal, and Ralitsa Asenova, the mother of victim Nikolay Zlatkov, called for a criminal investigation into the act.

On September 27, Trifonov expanded his criticisms to include alleged political interference and attempts to exonerate key figures involved in the tragedy. He specifically targeted recent television commentary, such as that from Lora Krumova, asserting that investigative data leaves no doubt regarding the crimes committed. Trifonov argued that attempts to shift blame to third parties are baseless and expressed frustration with those attempting to justify the actions of the perpetrator, identified as Kalushev.

## Claims

- Slavi Trifonov personally took action to destroy and remove the memorial plaque at Petrohan Pass. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The memorial plaque was installed without permission from the Berkovitsa Municipality. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The plaque listed the name of a killer alongside the names of his victims, a child and a youth. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Trifonov vowed to destroy the plaque again if anyone attempts to reinstall it. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The plaque listed the name of a convicted killer alongside the names of his victims. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Trifonov threatened to destroy the plaque again if it is reinstalled. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Slavi Trifonov criticizes political interference in Petrohan case

Slavi Trifonov has accused political actors of attempting to protect figures involved in the 'Petrohan' criminal case, sparking intense public debate in Bulgaria.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slavi-trifonov-criticizes-political-interference-in-petrohan-case

### 2026-09-23: Slavi Trifonov destroys Petrohan Pass memorial plaque

Bulgarian politician Slavi Trifonov admitted to destroying a memorial plaque at Petrohan Pass, calling it a “sinister mockery” of morality. Relatives of the victims are calling for a criminal investigation.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slavi-trifonov-destroys-controversial-petrohan-pass-memorial-plaque

### 2026-09-08: Slavi Trifonov criticizes Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev

Slavi Trifonov, leader of 'There Is Such a People', criticized Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev for failing to resolve the 'Petrohan' case and for acting unilaterally in his official capacity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slavi-trifonov-criticizes-interior-minister-ivan-demerdzhiev

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Cite as: Slavi Trifonov controversy regarding Petrohan case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slavi-trifonov-political-and-social-controversies