Bulgarian Sentenced to Seven Years for Radicalization and Actions in Syria

A Bulgarian man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for murder and grievous bodily harm in Syria, motivated by a desire to incite chaos and fear within the local population. While the prosecutor's office has withheld his name, the case, previously managed by the now-dissolved Specialized Prosecutor's Office, has drawn significant attention.

The individual initially lived with his family in Bulgaria, completing his secondary education and participating in sports. Although he was sociable with friends, he rarely confided in his parents. In March 2020, at the age of 20, he moved to France to live with his uncle. Their relationship was distant, and he took a job as a general construction worker. It was here that he became involved with extremist groups, leading to a radical transformation.

Over several months, he resided with friends and immersed himself in Islamic studies, consuming religious literature and sermons online. He began receiving religious texts in Turkish, English, and French from associates in Turkey, which further shaped his worldview. He gradually adopted a perspective that categorized people around him as non-believers.

During this period, he expressed to friends his intention to travel to Syria to join terrorist organizations, claiming he wanted to protect women and children while fighting against infidels. After returning to Bulgaria, his family noticed a dramatic shift in his behavior. Changes included his appearance, dietary habits, and an obsession with praying and reading Islamic texts. He often declared that many individuals in Turkey required assistance and sang religious songs.

His online activity included contacting various Islamists and sharing videos depicting armed individuals. This radical behavior...