Bulgaria protests over brutal murder case
Protests have erupted in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, following the brutal murder of 37-year-old Georgi Kuzev. Citizens gathered outside the city's courthouse, demanding justice and penal code amendments. Authorities state Kuzev was lured to Youth Hill by five teenagers, using social media as "paedophile hunters" for a false meeting. Kuzev was brutally assaulted for over an hour. The attackers filmed acts of humiliation, including shaving his eyebrows, burning him, and drawing symbols on his body. Perpetrators then stole money from Kuzev, leaving him severely injured; he later died from his injuries. Five minors were charged with murder and ordered into custody. Two girls appealed their detention, but the Plovdiv Court of Appeal rejected it. Investigations are ongoing. Protesters demand a fair trial and changes to Article 63 of the Penal Code, addressing crimes by minors. They advocate abolishing automatic sentence reductions for individuals 16 and over in intentional homicides and other serious crimes. They also urge preventative programs against group violence and for social reintegration of juvenile offenders. The case ignited political debate in Bulgaria over youth radicalization and juvenile crime measures. Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the acts as "fascist atrocities." Concerns were raised about potential neo-Nazi networks and foreign propaganda group connections. One accused was previously linked to assaulting two Nepalese nationals, highlighting patterns of youth violence. The incident profoundly shocked Bulgarian society, prompting discussion on public safety and judicial reform.
