Sofia Protests Demand Justice in Evgenia Vladimirova Murder Case

Sofia, Bulgaria – Hundreds of citizens protested in front of the Palace of Justice in Sofia on Thursday, February 19, 2026, demanding a life sentence for the killers of Evgenia Vladimirova. The protest stemmed from a recent decision by the Sofia Court of Appeal to reduce the sentence of Orlin Vladimirov, convicted in connection with Evgenia’s murder, from life imprisonment to 20 years. Plamen Vladimirov, Orlin’s father, was fully acquitted in the ruling.

Background of the Case

The case centers around the October 2021 killing of Evgenia Vladimirova in Sofia’s Lagera borough. Vladimirova’s dismembered body was discovered in a suitcase in a reservoir near Pernik in late 2021, earning the case the moniker “the woman in the suitcase.” [1] Expertise determined she had been strangled, and the death occurred in a particularly painful manner, with Evgenia being conscious during the assault.

Sentence Reduction and Public Outrage

Initially, both Orlin Vladimirov and his father, Plamen Vladimirov, received life sentences in the first-instance judgment by the Sofia City Court, a decision later upheld by the Sofia Court of Appeal in February 2025. [4] But, the Supreme Court of Cassation subsequently sent the case back to the Sofia Appellate Court for re-examination due to procedural violations. [2] This led to the recent decision to reduce Orlin Vladimirov’s sentence and fully acquit his father.

Protest Details and Demands

The protest was organized via Facebook by relatives and friends of Evgenia Vladimirova, under the title “Justice for Etty and her relatives.” [2] Protesters chanted slogans such as “None More” and “Life in Prison for Murderers.” [2] Demonstrators carried placards with messages like “Life imprisonment for Evgeniya’s murderers,” “We don’t desire murderers among us,” and “Not one more.” Some protesters symbolically carried suitcases, referencing the way Vladimirova’s body was found. [3]

A significant police presence was reported, and traffic was disrupted. [2]

Broader Concerns About Domestic Violence

Protesters also voiced concerns about the broader issue of domestic violence and assaults on women in Bulgaria. Organizers highlighted the fact that a limited number of victims seek assistance from authorities after experiencing aggression. [2] The Bulgarian Women’s Fund joined the protest, stating that such crimes are a public problem affecting the security and lives of women in Bulgaria. [4]

Key Demands

The primary demand of the protesters is a life sentence for Evgenia’s killer. Desislava Dimitrova, one of the organizers, told the media that the court’s decision was “a complete disgrace and lack of justice,” and a message that “the lives of women in Bulgaria are worthless.” [4]