Burgas bombing suspects to go on trial in early 2014

Bulgarian prosecutor says the two suspects have been located in another country from which extradition ‘would be possible’

By AP 12 September 2013, 7:13 pm

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An Israeli emergency rescue team examines the remains of a bus bombed in Bulgaria in July, 2012, allegedly by Hezbollah. (Dano Monkotovic/Flash90/JTA)

SOFIA, Bulgaria — The suspects in a July 2012 bomb attack in Burgas, Bulgaria that killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver will be put on trial early next year, the country’s chief prosecutor said Thursday.

Sotir Tsatsarov told reporters that an indictment should be ready in the first three months of next year.

Bulgaria has already identified the suspects as 32-year-old Meliad Farah, also known as Hussein Hussein, an Australian citizen, and 25-year-old Hassan El Hajj Hassan, a Canadian citizen, both of Lebanese origin.

The suicide bomber, who died on the spot in the bombing at Burgas Airport on the Black Sea coast, has not been identified.

Tsatsarov said that the whereabouts of the two suspected perpetrators of the terrorist act is known. He did not elaborate beyond saying that they are in a country “from which extradition would be possible.” He cautioned however that “whether the extradition request will be respected depends on the country where these people are.”