Protests Erupt in Bulgaria Demanding Plovdiv Police Chief’s Removal

Sofia, Bulgaria – Protests are intensifying in Bulgaria, with demonstrations held in both Sofia and Plovdiv demanding the resignation of Senior Commissioner Vasil Kostadinov, the director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior (ODMVR) in Plovdiv. The protests stem from public dissatisfaction with the handling of the 2023 murder investigation of Dimitar Malinov in the village of Tsalapitsa, and renewed concerns over potential interference in the case.

Background of the Case and Initial Protests

Dimitar Malinov was murdered in July 2023. Initial investigations were criticized for delays, leading to Kostadinov’s initial removal from his position by then-Minister Kalin Stoyanov. However, Kostadinov was later reinstated following a court decision that overturned his dismissal, citing a minor financial discrepancy – a reported overspend of 16.80 BGN (Bulgarian Lev) – as insufficient grounds for such a severe penalty. Paragraf.bg reports that this decision sparked renewed outrage.

Recent Demonstrations and Demands

Following Kostadinov’s reinstatement, protests escalated. Last week, protestors blocked the Plovdiv Ring Road, disrupting traffic and voicing their discontent. BTV Novinite reports that protestors chanted “Resignation!” during the blockade. Atanaska Bakalova, the mother of Dimitar Malinov, is a leading organizer of the protests, and has been vocal in her demands for Kostadinov’s removal.

Protest in Sofia and Allegations of Information Leak

On March 11, 2026, a protest was scheduled to take place in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Sofia, demanding Kostadinov’s resignation. Fakti.bg reports the protest is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Adding to the controversy, the District Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into allegations that Kostadinov’s wife leaked sensitive information related to the Malinov murder investigation to citizens. Shorty News details that Bakalova has requested the prosecution investigate how this information was disseminated, as it had not been publicly released by authorities.

Further Developments

Bakalova reportedly declined an invitation from the Minister of the Interior to meet privately, instead requesting he attend the protest to address the concerns directly. Nikolay Popov, the father of another tragically deceased individual, Siyana, is also expected to support Bakalova at the Sofia protest. Fakti.bg

Key Takeaways

• Public outrage centers on the handling of the Dimitar Malinov murder investigation.
• Senior Commissioner Vasil Kostadinov’s reinstatement as director of the Plovdiv police has fueled protests.
• Allegations of an information leak related to the investigation have prompted a formal inquiry.
• Protests are ongoing in both Plovdiv and Sofia, with demands for Kostadinov’s resignation.