The Court of Appeal in Plovdiv has upheld the detention of the two teenage girls accused in the killing of 37-year-old Georgi Kuzev, rejecting their lawyers' requests for release under parental supervision. The ruling is final.
The decision followed two court sessions lasting nearly two hours each, while several hundred people gathered outside the courthouse demanding severe punishment for those responsible. Protesters shouted “Long live,” “Murderers” and “Mafia” and called for everyone involved in the incident to be held accountable.
Kuzev was found in a helpless condition near Youth Hill in Plovdiv on Aug. 4. Passers-by called the emergency number at 5:29 p.m. He was taken to hospital with a severe head injury, multiple fractures and internal injuries, but died several hours later despite doctors' efforts.
Five minors, three boys and two girls between the ages of 14 and 17, have been charged in connection with the killing. They are from Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and the village of Stroevo. A total of 10 teenagers aged between 14 and 17 were initially detained, but charges were ultimately brought against five.
On Aug. 7, the Plovdiv District Court ordered all five accused to remain in custody. The lawyers representing the two girls, 17-year-old Mihaela from Stara Zagora and 15-year-old Victoria from Plovdiv, appealed the decision, arguing that their clients had not taken part in the beating and should instead be placed under the supervision of their parents.
