Bulgaria: The Deputy Chief Prosecutor said he Feared for his Life and called Geshev "Unstable"

The deputy chief prosecutor and director of the National Investigative Service (NSI) Borislav Sarafov accused the chief prosecutor Ivan Geshev of privatizing the prosecutor's office and said he feared for his life. At a briefing, Sarafov turned to the Minister of Justice Krum Zarkov with a request to assign him personal security.

"So that I don't end up suddenly killed like the prosecutor Kolev at the time of another chief prosecutor 20 years ago. In this sense, I am appealing through you to the Minister of Justice Krum Zarkov so that my physical security can be protected today. Because I know Mr. Geshev and that is exactly why I fear for my life. Until today, unlike him, I led a normal life. I went to the store with my wife and children. Unfortunately, from today, for me and my family, that will not be possible because I know Mr. Geshev's methods".

His statement comes after Ivan Geshev's briefing earlier today, in which he defiantly tore up his pre-written resignation and called on Sarafov to hand in his. The Director of the NSI stated:

"Today I will not make a theater and ritually and demonstratively tear up my resignation. This role goes to Mr. Geshev. I will try to adhere to morals and professional ethics as much as possible. I sincerely regret that instead of performing our official duties, we engage the public by taking out our dirty underwear and flaunt them in front of the media and the public."

According to Sarafov, the point of intolerance has reached such a point that a "deep catharsis is needed in order to cut the rot and for the prosecutor's office to finally work for the benefit of society." He stated that he will not call on Geshev to resign, but will insist to the SJC to remove him.

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