Bulgaria's Boevski Abused by Prisoners in Brazilian Jail - Lawyer

Former Olympic weightlifting champion Galabin Boevski, who was detained at the end of last month in Brazil and accused of carrying nine kilos of cocaine in his luggage, has been abused by prisoners in the Pinheiros jail, his lawyer claims.

"Galabin has been abused by the other prisoners in the jail, not by the official authorities," his Bulgarian lawyer Ivaylo Dermendzhiev told TV 7.

In his words Boevski seemed very depressed, while his wife Krassimira broke into tears after meeting him.

It is expected that a local lawyer will be contracted to provide legal counsel to Boevski. An option is being discussed by which the Boevski family will rent a small apartment in Sao Paulo, where the former champion can be accommodated if released on bail.

There is still no indictment against Boevski, who claim he is not guilty.

Bulgaria's foreign ministry expects the verdict to follow after a trial that will begin within two to three months.

If found guilty in Brazil, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

The 36-year-old Boevski won the gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 152-pound category. He was banned for eight years by the International Weightlifting Federation for doping in 2004.

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