The man who stabbed three people in the capital's "Poduyane" district remains permanently in custody. This was decided by the Sofia City Court. Petko Topurski was accused of injuring his son, mother and daughter, and the 21-year-old man died as a result of the injuries, Nova TV reported.
The defense - lawyer Irena Karakoleva, stated that Topurski's relatives claim "that he began to get carried away by Buddhism".
"The mother of one of Topurski's children and his mother shared that they had recently noticed a change in his behavior", she explained.
The court indicated that Topurski had certain religious tendencies, but without any obvious violations.
Each of the three crimes is serious within the meaning of the Criminal Code and is distinguished by an increased degree of public danger and a high penalty. The fact that Topurski has no previous convictions is not ignored, but since the punishment for these crimes is serious, this does not carry such great weight.
According to the court, it is of paramount importance to establish the psychological state of Petko Topurski and an expert examination must be conducted.
According to the prosecutor's office, there is no evidence of the accused's mental illness. An examination is necessary, but in inpatient conditions. The man must be taken to the prison in Lovech, where this can happen.
Irena Karakoleva explained that she does not believe there is a risk that the detainee will hide or commit a new crime. He has been declared a state-wide wanted person before, but as a witness. The lawyer claims that people close to Topurski have testified that he "loves" his children and his mother.
"There is evidence in the case that leads to suspicion of a mental disorder. It became clear in the courtroom that he only responds in short sentences and a normal dialogue cannot be held with him," explained Karakoleva.
According to the defense, the conclusion of the experts is that Topurski should be forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital, which is attached to the Lovech prison.