Bulgarian Politician and Taekwondo Leader Shot Dead in Sofia
Slavi Binev, a former Bulgarian Taekwondo champion turned politician, was shot and killed in his Sofia home. Investigation ongoing.
2 min read
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Slavi Binev, the head of the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation and vice president of the European Taekwondo Union, was shot and killed in his Sofia home on Saturday, according to police. Binev, 60, had previously competed as a successful Taekwondo fighter before transitioning into politics, serving as a member of the National Assembly and the European Parliament, representing nationalist parties.
Political and Martial Background
Binev’s political career began after his successful athletic career, where he became a prominent figure in Bulgarian sports. He later entered politics, becoming a member of the National Assembly and the European Parliament, with his political platform rooted in nationalist ideologies. His transition from athlete to politician marked a significant shift in his public life.
Investigation and Suspects
Police received a call about gunfire around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and arrived at the scene to find Binev dead. The investigation is ongoing, with top police officer Lyubomir Nikolov confirming the detention of three suspects on a highway outside Sofia. Two of the suspects hold Turkish citizenship, while the third has a Bulgarian ID card. All three were armed, though no details about the possible motives behind the crime have been disclosed.
Historical Context and Recent Killings
Local media reported on Binev’s activities in the early 1990s, linking him to a group that operated several entertainment venues in Sofia and was allegedly involved in prostitution, drug trafficking, and the smuggling of stolen vehicles. During the 1990s, Bulgaria experienced a wave of mafia-style killings of public figures, and Binev’s death is the latest in a string of high-profile murders. This incident coincided with the final days of a heated campaign for Sunday’s presidential elections.
Broader Implications
The killing has raised concerns about the increasing violence in Bulgarian politics and the potential influence of organized crime on public figures. As the country prepares for its presidential elections, the incident has intensified discussions about security, political stability, and the role of criminal elements in shaping the political landscape.
Source: Breitbart
