Accused admits setting fire to Bulgarian embassy cars in Skopje
The 44-year-old said he acted alone; prosecutors charged him under Article 288 and will request an expert opinion.
At a hearing on Friday the man accused of setting fire to two diplomatic cars belonging to the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje admitted responsibility and said he acted alone. The accused told the court: "I feel guilty and I fully admit my guilt, I decided on my own."
Details of the attack and procedural steps
Prosecutors say the incident happened on 15 June around midday on Mitropolit Teodosij Gologanov Boulevard in front of the Bulgarian Embassy. The 44-year-old resident of Skopje arrived by bus, stopped at the nearby Makpetrol station, filled a plastic bottle with petrol, walked across the street to the parked embassy vehicles, doused them and set them alight before leaving the scene.
The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office – Skopje has brought charges against the suspect for causing a general danger under Article 288 of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors say the fire created a significant risk to life, health and large-scale property damage.
Court records note that the accused was wearing a T‑shirt bearing the image of Goce Delchev at the time of the attack. Authorities have described him as deliberate when committing the act, but also say there are indications of mental disturbances; an expert opinion will therefore be requested.
The suspect remains in custody. He will also face charges related to endangering persons under international protection. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 11 November.
The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office – Skopje announced the criminal proceedings earlier this summer and identified the accused as a 44‑year‑old Skopje resident suspected of arson of diplomatic property.
Photo: press material from the event
