Nikolay Staykov from the Anti-Corruption Fund in the TV programme Въпросите with Lili Marinkova

Nikolay Staykov: Public statements, such as the comments regarding “The Eight Dwarfs” investigation voiced by the administrative head of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office, Mrs. Madzharova, practically give directions to lower-level prosecutors as to the right approach to dealing with such cases.

She ventures to express an opinion on the case, even though at the moment the Sofia-City Prosecutor’s Office is carrying out an investigation of Dimitar “Frantisek” Petrov and other involved parties, mentioned in the movie clips, including administrative heads and deputy heads of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office.

Her comments relate to investigative proceedings led by a different unit of the Prosecutor’s Office, which are still ongoing.

This is a clear example of how a high-ranking prosecutor can directly or indirectly influence prosecutors of lower ranks. Such comments basically give directions to lower-level prosecutors about the correct approach to dealing with this case. And this is just one instance that we can witness; there are probably more.