Arson suspect at Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje remains in custody
Accused charged with "Endangering persons under international protection" after vehicles used by the military attaché were set on fire on June 15.
A person accused of setting fire to vehicles parked outside the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Skopje has been charged with "Endangering persons under international protection" and remains in custody while the prosecutor seeks to extend detention.
The prosecutor's filing states that on June 15 this year, at about 12:05 p.m., the suspect approached the embassy building and, by starting a fire, created a significant danger to the life and bodily integrity of people under international legal protection.
How the attack unfolded, according to the indictment
The indictment describes that the suspect first filled a plastic bottle with gasoline at a petrol station located very close to the embassy. He then walked to the vehicles parked near the embassy, which were used by the Bulgarian military attaché and other embassy staff, poured the gasoline over them and set them alight, after which he immediately left the scene.
The prosecutor is also asking that the pretrial detention be prolonged, arguing that the reasons for imposing and extending the measure remain — in particular the risk that the suspect could become unavailable to law enforcement and thus obstruct the criminal procedure.
Under the Criminal Code, the offence with which he has been charged carries a prison sentence of at least one year.
Videos and photos that have circulated in the public sphere show the burnt diplomatic vehicles, and Bulgarian media outlets have published images of the alleged arsonist.
Photo: press material from the event
