Video: Head of GERB in Pazardzhik inflicted election beating of a regular party member

Physical violence between GERB activists shook the structure of the party in the town of Pazardzhik. The constituency of Delyan Peevski, which has established itself over the years – the town of Pazardzhik, which has recently made headlines with the exploits of its mayor – Todor Popov, is the terrain of a new scandal with political coloring. This time in the center of the events are the main active cadres of PP “GERB” in the area. On 27.10.2021, the municipal leader of PP “GERB” for the municipality of Pazardzhik and municipal councilor of the party in the Municipal Council of Pazardzhik – Ilian Vulyanov (in the title photo on the left), dealt brutally with the regular member of PP “GERB” – Georgi Yankov. After the BRRD sought for an opinion Ekaterina Zaharieva, the leader of the GERB list in Pazardzhik, Vulyanov quickly resigned.

From a recording available to the BRRD, it is clear how at about 20:40 on the above-mentioned date, Vulyanov stopped his BMW limousine – the 7th series in a parking lot where Georgi Yankov awaits him. Apparently, the two have an appointment. Obviously, Yankov is not prepared for the brawl that followed – the footage clearly shows him approaching with his hands in the pockets of his coat. Vulyanov did not shake hands, but surprisingly struck a right straight blow to Yankov’s head, which collapsed on the asphalt.

Although he is relatively larger than his attacker, the element of surprise seems to have had a disarming effect and Yankov does not put up any resistance. After the man fell to the ground, Vulyanov continued to hit him, already knocked him down on the street and pushed him like a rag doll. The injured man still managed to get back on his feet, but Vulyanov hit him aggressively and with his knees, and looked as if he was trying to hit his head on the hood of a nearby car. At one point, Vulyanov tried to suffocate his fellow party member, who still stood up and said something to him. In view of the situation, we can assume that the two exchange threats and warnings.

It is noteworthy that while the aggressive brawl is underway, cars and pedestrians pass around the parking lot, but none of them are seen reacting, but simply pass by idly. At one point, Vulyanov pushes his victim and lets her go, and at that moment a car stops in the parking lot, from which two men come out. Then Vulyanov heads to his car and sees himself leaving with it. The other men also got into their car. Vulyanov’s dark BMW and the newcomers’ car go out of the frame in the same direction.

Our team contacted the city councillor for comment. We wanted to find out what provoked his cruel aggression. However, the man told us that I would not talk to us in class outside working hours – after 5 p.m. on Friday, and after hearing our question whether he had participated in a fight with another member of PP “GERB” immediately hung up our phone. He didn’t answer our calls anymore. We sent him a text asking if his silence confirmed that he had participated in a physical quarrel with another member of PP “GERB” – we did not receive a response.

Ekaterina Zaharieva – “If it is true to resign”

After the unsuccessful attempt to get some explanation for the outrageous event, we sought comment by phone the leader of the list of PP GERB in Pazardzhik – Ekaterina Zaharieva. She confirmed that she had heard about the incident between the two members of PP “GERB”, distanced herself from what happened and condemned him. Zaharieva said that whatever the cause of the conflict, it should be decided by the competent authorities. According to her, in the 21st century, whatever the problems, they should not be solved by violence. Initially, the former deputy prime minister and foreign minister replied that Vulyanov is still the municipal head of PP “GERB” for the town of Pazardzhik, but expressed a position that if his guilt is proven, he can no longer hold this post and that he should be removed.

“And if it is true that Vulyanov was self-dealing, he should resign,” Zaharieva said. Subsequently, she called us to inform us that Vulyanov’s resignation is already a fact and he is no longer the municipal coordinator of the party in the city.

What is the reason to escalate in this unacceptable way the tension between Vulyanov and Yankov we can only guess, as the aggressor refused to comment, and the victim announced that at this stage he was advised by his lawyer not to disclose facts and circumstances surrounding the incident because procedural investigative actions in the case are ongoing and evidence can be vitiated.

Under the regional organization of PP “GERB” – Pazardzhik, Vulyanov is close to the regional coordinator – Nayden Shopov and the former MP – Dimitar Gechev – municipal leader of the party for the municipality of Velingrad. Naydenov and Shopov are cited by acquaintances as extremely close to the mayor of Pazardzhik – Todor Popov. Vulyanov’s wife – Dimitriya Vulyanova works in “Irrigation Systems” EAD – Topolnitsa branch in the town of Pazardzhik. She was appointed there by the recently released manager – Sashka Tseleva.

So far, there is no evidence that these ugly scenes of repression and self-retribution have been inspected by the prosecutor’s office. In the town of Pazardzhik this is unlikely to happen, as in the “city of Peevski” the coalescence between the municipal and the judiciary is very tangible.

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