A Bulgarian defense attorney has argued that his client, Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, should receive the most lenient detention option available as a hearing approaches on changing the current custody arrangement. Lawyer Nikolay Vladimirov expressed confidence that authorities would ultimately clear his client of all charges and that the lightest restrictions would allow Kotsev to resume municipal duties. The attorney noted that separate administrative proceedings to strip the mayor of office should have no bearing on the criminal matter.
Kotsev arrived at a Varna detention facility after being transferred from the capital, where supporters and family members gathered to demonstrate solidarity. Authorities arrested the mayor months earlier, and prosecutors subsequently charged him alongside four co-defendants with a dozen offenses. Bulgaria's highest appeals court recently ruled that proceedings should unfold in Varna rather than Sofia.
Kotsev arrived at a Varna detention facility after being transferred from the capital, where supporters and family members gathered to demonstrate solidarity. Authorities arrested the mayor months earlier, and prosecutors subsequently charged him alongside four co-defendants with a dozen offenses. Bulgaria's highest appeals court recently ruled that proceedings should unfold in Varna rather than Sofia.
