Zhivko Georgiev, accused of the murder of 48-year-old Stefan Denev in the “Sunny Beach” resort, requested to remain in custody due to concerns for his own safety. This was stated by the defendant during the court hearing, which reviewed his pre-trial detention measure “detention”.
Georgiev, as well as his defense attorney, pointed out that they feared possible revenge. During the hearing, Georgiev did not give explanations to the court.
The Burgas Regional Prosecutor's Office emphasized that all legal grounds for imposing the most severe measure were present. The prosecutor pointed out that the 36-year-old man exhibits impulsive and aggressive behavior, which makes him a danger to the public.
According to the indictment, the conflict between Georgiev and Denev began after a scandal in a disco. The two were escorted out of the establishment by private security guards, and minutes later the victim was intercepted by Georgiev, who began to strike him with his hands and feet in the head area, leading to a fatal outcome.
For their part, the defense presented a different version of events. According to the lawyer, both participants in the conflict exchanged blows, with Denev even being armed with brass knuckles. This, according to him, puts his client's actions in the context of self-defense. The lawyer disputed the claims of Georgiev's aggressive nature, emphasizing that such an assessment can only be made through an expert examination, which has not yet been prepared. In conclusion, he admitted that the request for detention was justified precisely because of fears of possible self-retribution.
After considering all the circumstances, the Burgas Regional Court ruled that Georgiev should remain in custody. The ruling is subject to appeal and protest within three days before the Court of Appeal – Burgas.
BTA recalls that on March 29, around 5:30 in the morning, a report was filed about a skirmish between two companies in a disco in the “Sunny Beach” resort. The intervention of employees from a private security firm stopped the scandal, and the participants were escorted out of the establishment. One company, consisting of five men from the village of Orizare, left the place by taxi and headed to a 24-hour store in the area of the “Kuban” hotel. Near the store, they encountered on foot the man with whom they had previously been in conflict. One of the passengers got out and began to strike blows to the head and torso of the victim, who died.
Stefan Denev was a long-time employee of the municipal security and public order service in Nessebar.