The Sofia City Court will announce its decision within the statutory deadline regarding the protest against the acquittal in the case involving former lawmaker Lena Borislavova. Prosecutors are pushing for a guilty verdict for document fraud, while defense attorneys want the initial acquittal upheld.
Prosecution Demands Guilty Verdict in Coral Case
State prosecutors filed a protest against the Sofia District Court’s November 18, 2025 ruling that cleared Borislavova of wrongdoing. The case stems from events between May 13 and May 14, 2021, when investigators allege Borislavova used forged documents to remove Kiril Petkov from the “Let’s Keep Coral” association management board. It is argued that the paperwork enabled Petkov to join a caretaker government as economy minister without delay. The charges note that she presented a power of attorney prepared in his name alongside a meeting protocol of the association, intended to secure Petkov’s timely release so he could take the oath as economy minister in the caretaker government of Stefan Janev.
Defense Urges Court to Uphold Acquittal
Defense counsel asked the Sofia City Court to leave the initial not-guilty verdict in place. During earlier proceedings, Borislavova maintained her innocence, stating that association members knew about Petkov’s departure and that his exit required only a simple resignation letter under association rules rather than a formal board vote. She also argued that her digital signature was left unsecured on a desk with its password visible, meaning anyone could have accessed it. Her lawyers further argued before the appellate court that the power of attorney presented to the Registry Agency was irrelevant and that its authorship had not been proven.
Administrative Penalties Replace Criminal Charges
The legal proceedings against Borislavova are being handled under administrative-punitive procedures rather than standard criminal law. This means prosecutors are not seeking criminal liability, but rather the imposition of an administrative penalty if found responsible.
Who Filed the Complaint Against Lena Borislavova?
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Who initiated the legal complaint against Lena Borislavova?
Atanas Rusev, chairman of the “Let’s Keep Coral” association, filed the initial complaint that triggered the investigation. -
When was Lena Borislavova initially acquitted by the lower court?
The Sofia District Court cleared her of the document fraud charges on November 18, 2025. -
What is Borislavova’s current professional role outside of active politics?
She has stepped away from active politics and now serves as director of the Institute for Justice Monitoring, a new civic organization she established.
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