The Sofia City Court is due to decide today what restrictions to place on Eyup Temiz, a Turkish citizen charged with the murder of businessman and former MEP Slavi Binev. Prosecutors want him held in custody, the toughest measure available.
Temiz is the only person charged. Investigators say he fired the shots that killed Binev.
More on this story: Turkish national charged with murder of Slavi Binev, permanent detention sought
Binev, 60, was killed on 24 October at his home in the Pavlovo district of Sofia. Investigators say Temiz went there with two other men, one Turkish and one Bulgarian. All three knew Binev.
Police detained the three about an hour later on the Trakia motorway, near the Trayanovi Vrata tunnel. After questioning and collecting evidence, only Temiz was charged. The two men with him are witnesses in the case, because investigators say the evidence so far does not show they were involved.
Prosecutors say Binev and Temiz knew each other well and had business ties. One of the main lines of inquiry is a dispute over unsettled financial matters. The exact motive for the shooting is not clear.
Experts are examining the weapons found, and their findings will show which one was fired. Investigators are also checking what happened at the meeting at Binev's home.
The court will decide whether there are grounds to hold Temiz, including a risk that he could go into hiding. Its ruling on custody does not decide his guilt. Guilt can only be established in a criminal trial, with a final verdict.