site.btaArson in Veliko Tarnovo Classified as Terrorism, Case Transferred to Sofia

An arson attack in Veliko Tarnovo on the night of Saturday to Sunday was classified by the District Prosecutor’s Office (VTDPO) on Monday as an act of terrorism and was transferred to the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office due to jurisdiction, the Veliko Tarnovo Appellate Prosecutor’s Office reported, quoting District Prosecutor Hristo Hristov. The District Prosecutor spoke during a joint briefing with the leadership of the Veliko Tarnovo Regional Police Directorate.

The VTDPO said that the suspect Stoyan Denchev made three deliberate attempts and set fire to a forest area between the Veliko Tarnovo suburbs of Cholakovtsi and Buzludzha amid high fire risk conditions and thus endangered the lives, health and property of the city’s residents. The VTDPO concluded that Denchev’s behaviour was aimed at causing panic and fear among the citizens. Therefore, the offence is being charged as “terrorism” under Article 108a of the Criminal Code.

About three hectares of forest were destroyed in the fire, Hristov said. Charges against Denchev are expected to be filed later on Monday, and arrangements have been made for the suspect and investigation documents to be sent to Sofia.

The law provides a sentence of 5 to 15 years’ imprisonment for offences under Article 108a.

According to media reports, Denchev has had two convictions: for drug possession and for driving under the influence of drugs. About 100 firefighters, military personnel, forestry workers and volunteers spent hours battling the fire which he started. The flames spread close to a school, a church, a transformer station and apartment buildings.