UK MP Asks Bulgaria to Continue Investigation of Markov's Murder

Society | September 7, 2008, Sunday // 00:00
Bulgaria UK MP Asks Bulgaria to Continue Investigation of Markov??™s Murder: UK MP Asks Bulgaria to Continue Investigation of Markov's Murder Exactly thirty years ago, on September 7, 1978, an attempt was made on Georgi Markov's life leading to his death in hospital four days later. Photo by kliuki.net

Рўhe Conservative Member of the UK Parliament Julian Lewis asked Sunday the Bulgarian authorities not to terminate the investigation of the murder of the dissident writer Georgi Markov, the Bulgarian information agency BTA reported.

The attempt on Markov's life was made exactly 30 years ago, on September 7, 1978, as he was stabbed with an umbrella on the Waterloo Bridge in London, and Р° small pellet with poison was injected in his calf. He died four days later, on September 11, 1978.

Bulgaria's legislation stipulates that thirty years is the maximum possible term for an investigation on any case, and after that it becomes void by prescription.

According to Lewis, it is would be an outrageous act on part of the Bulgarian government if it allowed the investigation to be terminated, and destroyed or returned to the secret services any existing evidence on Markov's case.

In his words, the Bulgarian intelligence services had not demonstrated any willingness to assist with the investigation of the assassination.

According to a Scotland Yard spokesperson, the UK police will continue to investigate the so called Umbrella Murder as under the UK legislation the investigation of murder cases have no statute of limitations.

The statements from London come after the Bulgarian press recently reported the authorities intended to observe the 30-year expiration limit, and to terminate the investigation of one of the most emblematic and outrageous Cold War secret service crimes.

Georgi Markov was born in Sofia's Knyazhevo Quarter in 1929. After writing a number of successful novels and plays, some of his words were banned in 1969, and left for Italy.

Later Markov settled in London, and worked for the BBC. The only suspect for Markov's murder is an Italian named Francesco Gullino, who is believed to be alive.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!

Society » Be a reporter: Write and send your article

Advertisement
Advertisement
Bulgaria news Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) is unique with being a real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. News Bulgaria