Witness in Bulgaria Top Criminal Cases Chooses to Stay in Jail

Bulgaria prosecutors say a main witness in 2 high-profile criminal cases had preferred to remain in jail over fears for his life due to his testimony. File Photo

Accused Bulgarian criminal, Tihomir Georgiev aka Boksiora (The Boxer) withdrew Tuesday his court appeal requesting his release from jail.

The move was revealed upon the conclusion of the Sofia Appellate Court session in Georgiev's case.

Georgiev was detained days ago as a member of an alleged criminal group, led by Krasimir Marinov aka the Big Marguin, dealing with illegal drug trafficking, .

The Sofia City Court ruled to keep him behind bars. Georgiev and his defense team appealed the decision, but withdrew the request at the last minute, just before the Appellate Court began its session.

The Boxer is the main witness and a protected witness in the trial of alleged Bulgarian top crime boss Zlatomir Ivanov aka Baretata (the Barret), who has been kept behind bars for about a year pending his trial. Baretata is linked to organized crime, two murders for hire and three attempted murders.

The Boxer is also a witness in the trial of Krasimir Marinov. On Sunday the court deemed the Boxer's witness account unreliable, which became the main motive for the Big Marguin's release from jail. The magistrates ruled that the Boxer had used the prosecution in a cynical way and for his own criminal profiteering.

The Bulgarian news agency BTA cites prosecutors, who are saying that Georgiev had preferred to remain in jail over fears for his life due to his testimony in the 2 high-profile cases and, reportedly, against other top criminals.

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