site.btaProsecution Completes Investigation into Case of Violence against 18-Year-Old Girl from Stara Zagora

The prosecution magistracy has completed the investigation into the high-profile case of domestic violence against 18-year-old Debora Mihaylova, Stara Zagora Regional District Prosecutor Tanya Dimitrova told journalists on Saturday. In June, the girl was assaulted with a box cutter and sustained 21 injuries requiring some 400 stitches. In addition, her nose was broken and her hair was shaved. The case gained publicity and caused public outcry and protests.

According to Dimitrova, the necessary evidence to prove the defendant's guilt has been gathered. An indictment is yet to be filed in court, she added.

Georgi Georgiev, 26, was charged with the crime. Days ago, the Stara Zagora District Court refused to change Georgiev's remand measure, leaving him in permanent custody.

In Dimitrova's words, the crime against Mihaylova was premeditated and there was a preparation for the crime. She explained that no biological traces of Georgiev were found at the scene, but enough evidence was collected to conclude that he was the perpetrator.

According to investigators, the motive for the assault was jealousy. Dimitrova added that the charges against Georgiev are for the use of threats to kill and threats of force (coercion), as well as for causing two medium bodily injuries.