Veliko Tarnovo court rejects arson settlement for Stoyan Denchev

The trial of Stoyan Denchev, accused of intentionally starting a major forest fire between the Buzludzha and Cholakovtsi neighborhoods in Veliko Tarnovo, has reached a critical stage. The fire, which occurred in July 2025, caused significant damage to municipal forest funds and posed a direct threat to the lives of two individuals and nearby properties.

During a recent preliminary hearing, the Veliko Tarnovo District Court rejected a proposed settlement between Denchev and the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office. The agreement would have imposed a three-year loss of liberty, suspended for five years. The court ruled that the settlement was contrary to law and morality.

As a result of the rejection, the case will be referred to the head of the Veliko Tarnovo District Court to appoint a different judicial panel for review. The prosecution maintains that the act was intentional, while the defense has previously challenged the terrorism charges, arguing there was no intent to cause public fear.