The Bulgarian Judges Association has sent a letter to the British consul for Bulgaria, Hillary Arthur, stating that no institution can affect the decisions of the Bulgarian court while proceedings are in progress. The letter responds to protests in Britain concerning the sentence of Michael Shields, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the attempted murder of the Bulgarian Martin Georgiev. The incident occurred at the end of May, when a group of football fans decided to stay at Golden Sands resort after a Liverpool match in Istanbul.
After the Varna court announced its verdict, British media and European Parliament members demanded the release of Shields on the grounds that he was innocent. His compatriot Graham Sankey confessed to the crime, but refused to stand before a Bulgarian court. According to the Bulgarian code of ethic, while a trial is taking place no institution can exert pressure on the court. The letter explains that  Shields' sentence is in accordance with Bulgarian law, where the sentence for premeditated attempted murder is usually between 20 years and life. The court had imposed a minimal sentence for a premeditated murder attempt, the letter states. The verdict can be appealed before a regional court. Only after the final procedures were concluded would it be possible for the President to become involved to cancel Shields' sentence. (Novinar)