Bulgarian to be extradited on murder charge

A Bulgarian man who is wanted by the Greek authorities for murder has consented being extradited for trial, after his arrest in Malta.

Assistant Attorney General Donatella Frendo Dimech and lawyer Vincienne Vella, from the Attorney General’s office, explained to Magistrate Josette Demicoli how Ivan Manolov, aged 50, was arrested in Mosta yesterday after the Schengen Information System alerted the Maltese authorities that he was wanted in Greece for homicide. Manolov was subsequently served with a European Arrest Warrant.

Inspector Mario Cuschieri added that when asked whether he consented to being extradited, the accused had seemed eager to return to Greece to defend himself against the accusations.

This morning, Manolov refused legal assistance, in spite of the court telling him several times that he had a right to a lawyer at the state’s expense. He confirmed that he was the same person mentioned in the EAW and that he wished to go to Greece to defend himself against the charges.

The court gave him an opportunity to reconsider, warning him that his consent to be extradited would be irrevocable. He remained adamant, however.

Magistrate Demicoli Manolov will be held under arrest until he can be handed over to the Greek authorities.