Sofia City Court will decide today whether Eyub Temiz, charged with the intentional murder of Slavi Binev, stays in custody. Prosecutors want him held, and a ruling is expected later in the day.
Binev was shot at his home on Saturday morning. On Sunday, prosecutors charged Temiz and said they would ask the court to keep him in custody.
Where it began: Turkish national charged with murder of Slavi Binev, permanent detention sought
The court agreed to the defendant's request not to be filmed or photographed in the courtroom or in the Palace of Justice while guards escort him.
Prosecutors say it is proven that Temiz shot Binev with the gun found thrown away on the Trakia motorway. They say the same gunpowder particles were found on the weapon and on the defendant's hands, and the bullet taken from Binev during the autopsy matches the gun. At this stage of the inquiry, prosecutors say, this proves the killing.
The shooting happened in Binev's study at his home in Sofia's Boyana district. According to the investigation, the three men began to leave after a short meeting and talk. Temiz then suddenly turned, pulled out a gun and fired, and Binev fell.
The defence disputes the charge and says intentional murder is not the right legal description. The lawyers pointed to facts and circumstances from the previous two days, which they say led to what happened.