Kardzhali Mayor Erol Mюмюн Detained for Police Questioning
Kardzhali Mayor Erol Mюмюн was escorted from municipal offices by police officers on Thursday morning in connection with an ongoing criminal police inquiry, editor reported. Officers subsequently searched his residential property while party activists gathered outside regional police headquarters.
The municipal administration confirmed that uniformed officers entered the building before taking the mayor to the Kardzhali Regional Directorate of Ministry of Interior. Authorities stated that the action involved taking explanations regarding a preliminary inquiry after prolonged non-appearance.
Movement for Rights and Freedoms Condemns Police Action
Party officials reacted sharply to the morning developments. Deputy National Assembly Speaker Ayten Sabri told reporters that the mayor was brought in for questioning rather than arrested, emphasizing that supporters gathered outside to understand the reasons behind the action.
In an official statement, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms characterized the police presence as political pressure. The party asserted that the actions stem from its efforts to expose corruption linked to what it termed the Radev-Koprinkov model, accusing state apparatus of reacting to political friction.
Additional coverage from NOVA noted that party representatives on the scene described the developments as a continuation of pressure against municipal leaders. Similar actions unfolded earlier in the week regarding mayors in Belitsa and Sungurlare.
Representatives announced plans to notify European institutions regarding the sequence of police actions.
Law Enforcement Examines Kardzhali Municipal Procurement Procedures
Thursday’s inquiry follows previous investigative steps involving municipal contracts. In May 2026, law enforcement officials conducted searches at the Kardzhali municipality building concerning procurement procedures.
The earlier scrutiny focused on administrative actions surrounding public tenders. Regional media outlet Club ‘Z’ detailed that investigators have examined procurement files across multiple municipal departments while prosecutors pursue separate cases involving other regional figures in Burgas.
What Happens Next as Inquiries Continue
Police and prosecution authorities have not announced formal charges against the Kardzhali mayor following Thursday’s questioning. Legal counsel accompanied the municipal leader to the regional directorate while local party representatives maintained a presence outside the facility.
Unanswered questions remain regarding whether prosecutors will transition the preliminary inquiry into formal charges or conclude the file following the submitted explanations. Officials have not specified a timeline for completing the review of municipal procurement documents.
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