Sofia court remands Syrian national in NDK stabbing case

A Sofia District Court has ordered the detention of a 23-year-old Syrian citizen accused of attacking three youths near the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The defendant, who holds philanthropic status in Bulgaria, faces three criminal charges following the incident.

During the hearing, the accused requested a lighter measure of restraint, expressing regret and claiming he acted in self-defense. Through a translator, he stated he was attempting to work and support his family in Syria, alleging that a group of local youths had provoked him by filming and kicking him.

However, the prosecution argued for the strictest measure of detention, citing a risk of recidivism as the individual is currently in a probationary period. Prosecutors also noted a flight risk, stating the defendant does not reside at his registered address. Witnesses for the prosecution contradicted the self-defense claim, asserting that the accused initiated the dispute after perceiving he was being filmed.