Slavi Binev killing: court orders suspect held in pretrial detention

Sofia City Court has ordered the man charged with killing businessman Slavi Binev to remain in custody. The court said there is reasonable suspicion that the defendant deliberately shot Binev in the face in Sofia's Pavlovo district. It cited witness statements, a ballistics report finding that bullet fragments match the pistol, and gunshot residue on the defendant's hands.

Prosecutor Mariyan Aleksandrov said the two men were close family friends and that Binev was to mediate between business partners. The defense argued the killing was committed in the heat of passion, which the court rejected because the dispute dated back several days. It found a risk of flight, noting that the defendant's wife had already left the country.

The court also pointed to "particular audacity," as the shooting took place in front of witnesses. The ruling can be appealed to the Sofia Court of Appeal. The defendant is presumed innocent.