Bulgarian Authorities Arrest Zlatomir Devlenski, Chairman of ‘Rusophiles’ Movement

Devlenski was then taken to the BSP headquarters in Plovdiv, where he has an office. Documents were seized during the raid, although the exact nature of these documents has not been disclosed

The operation by SANS was notable for its intensity. According to reports, Devlenski's arrest involved breaking down the door of his apartment in the Komatevo district at 5:30 AM
The operation by SANS was notable for its intensity. According to reports, Devlenski's arrest involved breaking down the door of his apartment in the Komatevo district at 5:30 AM

Plovdiv, Bulgaria – In a dramatic series of events, the State Agency “National Security” (SANS) detained two individuals in Plovdiv on suspicion of disseminating state secrets.

This operation, conducted in collaboration with the District Prosecutor’s Office-Plovdiv, marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into potential breaches of national security.

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The authorities are currently evaluating the evidence against the detainees to determine whether charges will be brought.

Among those detained is Zlatomir Devlenski, the chairman of the National Movement “Rusophiles” – Plovdiv. His arrest occurred yesterday at the headquarters of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) city organization.

Ivan Petkov, a deputy and secretary of the BSP parliamentary group, confirmed Devlenski’s detention to the Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

The operation by SANS was notable for its intensity. According to reports, Devlenski’s arrest involved breaking down the door of his apartment in the Komatevo district at 5:30 AM.

Devlenski was then taken to the BSP headquarters in Plovdiv, where he has an office. Documents were seized during the raid, although the exact nature of these documents has not been disclosed.

The arrest of Devlenski, a significant figure in local politics, has raised numerous questions. Devlenski holds a position as a junior expert in the “Coordination and Projects” department of the Rodopi municipality and is pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Plovdiv.

He has also completed graduate studies at Astrakhan State University in Russia and ran as a BSP candidate in the 2022 elections.

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Despite the high-profile nature of the arrest, the reasons behind Devlenski’s detention remain unclear. .

Authorities have not officially disclosed the cause, adding to the speculation and concern among political circles and the general public. Efforts to reach Devlenski or his legal representatives for comment have so far been unsuccessful.

The manner of the arrest has also drawn attention and criticism. Ivan Petkov relayed details from Devlenski’s mother, describing the forceful entry into his apartment as brutal.

This has raised alarms about the methods used by the security agencies and their approach to such operations. As the situation continues to develop, there is significant interest in understanding the broader implications of these arrests.

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The BSP and other political entities have yet to issue official statements, but the detentions are likely to spark debates about national security, political freedoms, and the treatment of political figures in Bulgaria.

The case is being closely monitored by the District Prosecutor’s Office-Plovdiv, which oversees the pre-trial proceedings related to the possible disclosure of state secrets.

The involvement of the prosecutor’s office underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential ramifications for those involved. As more information becomes available, the public and political analysts alike are keenly observing how this incident will unfold.

The detention of a prominent political figure like Devlenski, coupled with the allegations of state secret disclosures, could have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape in Plovdiv and potentially for Bulgaria as a whole.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members