- Title: Bulgaria frees Australian convict Palfreeman from detention centre
- Date: 15th October 2019
- Summary: SOFIA, BULGARIA (FILE - OCTOBER 7, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR OF DETENTION CENTRE WHERE PALFREEMAN WAS HELD
- Embargoed: 29th October 2019 20:44
- Keywords: Palfreeman released Bulgaria Australian man released in Bulgaria Paul Palfreeman
- Location: SOFIA, BULGARIA
- City: SOFIA, BULGARIA
- Country: Bulgaria
- Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Judicial Process/Court Cases/Court Decisions
- Reuters ID: LVA006B17MA87
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The Bulgarian government released Australian Paul 'Jock' Palfreeman, who was convicted of murder in 2009, from an immigration detention centre on Tuesday (October 15), more than three weeks after a court granted parole and caused political controversy.
Palfreeman's parole angered nationalist politicians in Bulgaria and has prompted the chief prosecutor to ask for a review of the ruling by the country's highest court, which now has two months come up with a decision.
The case has strained relations between Bulgaria and Australia, whose Foreign Minister Marise Payne has expressed "deep disappointment" that Palfreeman was still in custody after being granted parole.
The 32-year-old has served 11 years of a 20-year sentence since being found guilty of murder and attempted murder in the stabbing of two Bulgarian youths, one of whom died, during a street melee in 2007. Palfreeman has said he acted in self-defence.
His release followed an unprecedented statement by the head of Bulgaria's highest court that urged the interior ministry to free Palfreeman immediately, saying his right to free movement was being breached.
(Production: Louisa Naks) - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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