Convicted Rapist Released From Maltese Custody After Extradition Blunder
A man wanted in Bulgaria to serve a three-year prison sentence for rape after the Attorney General’s office failed to make the travel arrangements for him to return back to the country within 10 days.
Tencho Gospodinov Tenev, a 47-year-old man who lives in Żabbar, was arrested in May over a European Arrest Warrant issued by Bulgaria in July 2020 over a 2013 rape conviction.
Tenev appealed the decision to return back to the country but lost his appeal in July.
Tenev was required to return to Bulgaria within 10 days. However, the AG’s office filed an urgent extension in August, insisting that Bulgaria did not have the resources to handle the transfer, including connecting flights.
However, his lawyers, Roberto Montalto and Roberto Spiteri insisted that it wasn’t fair that he was only informed of these issues at the last minute.
Judge Aaron Bugeja agreed, releasing Tenev from custody, since “entirely the obligation and within the control of the requesting country and Malta”.
However, it appears that Maltese authorities can still restart the proceedings.
What do you think of the case?
READ NEXT: A Tiny Food Van Near Rinella Bay Is Going Viral For Its Humble Prices And Bountiful Portions
