Bulgarian court cannot accept as legal evidence in Michael Shields' case the written confession of Graham Sankey. Sankey admitted his guilt for the attempted murder of Bulgarian bartender Martin Georgiev, for which Shields received a 15 year prison sentence. Sankey's out-of-court confession, made in Great Britain, can initiate new investigations, but cannot reverse the court's ruling. In addition, Sankey did not follow the recommendation of Varna court to appear during the trial and be a witness in support of Shields. Sankey received the request to appear before court on July 5 and was offered four different dates for his presence. Instead, Sankey made a confession before a British lawyer and sent it by fax on Friday July 29. According to international law experts, Bulgaria can demand his extradition if the court finds enough evidence for the launching of a new investigation.
Last week, Shields received the sentence for the premeditated murder attempt which occurred in May. UK media and citizens have initiated support campaigns. Shields' family sought the support of UK authorities but received an answer that London cannot intervene in the proceedings of a sovereign country. (Novinar)