Bulgaria Detains Arson Suspect on Terrorism Charges Amid Regional Wildfires

Authorities in Bulgaria have charged 33-year-old Stoyan Denchev with terrorism after he intentionally set a fire in Veliko Tarnovo, which destroyed about three hectares of forest and endangered nearby homes, a school, and critical infrastructure. Prosecutors allege Denchev's actions were deliberate and aimed at inciting public fear, classifying the arson as terrorism under Article 108a of the Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of 5 to 15 years imprisonment. Denchev, who has prior convictions related to drug possession and driving under the influence, denied further criminal intent, and his defense argued that terrorism charges should be reserved for incidents causing casualties or serious injuries. The fire broke out amid a broader wave of wildfires across Bulgaria and Europe, with 160 wildfires burning in Bulgaria alone and 11 regions under red alert due to extreme heat and drought. Bulgaria's Interior Ministry has announced that those detained for intentional arson during this period will face terrorism charges, reflecting the critical nature of the situation. The widespread fires have also affected neighboring Turkey and Greece, where high temperatures and dry conditions have led to evacuations and fatalities.