Bulgaria FM Not Sure If Malaysia Will Pardon Death Sentenced Bulgarians

The young Bulgaria men, who were sentenced to death in Malaysia for illegal drug trafficking, insist they were unaware they were transporting illegal drugs, and were told the package included Viagra and other pills. Photo by EPA/BGNES

It is not yet certain whether Bulgaria will be able to bargain a pardoning of its two citizens sentenced to death in Malaysia for drug trafficking, said Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov.

"Malaysia is a country known for its harsh drug trafficking laws, but we are still hopeful. We need to have patience and follow procedures, though," said Mladenov Saturday in an interview for Darik Radio.

Over the week, a Malaysian court issued death sentenced for two Bulgarian men, who were detained in May attempting to smuggle 5.6 kg of amphetamines.

Mladenov explained that the Bulgarian government will be intervening in the case only because its citizens have received death sentenced.

"The death sentence is something that all EU countries consider unacceptable. And we denounce its execution anywhere in the world," said the Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mladenov was optimistic that due to the dialogue the EU and Malaysia have on the death sentence, a positive outcome of the case is very possible.