Jock’s statement following the decision:
To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. But I am not disappointed in the Monov family’s demands for unjustified punishment. I am disappointed in the judges and legal structure that seems to have the moral backbones of jellyfish. When I saw the 15 men attack the two homeless men, I was presented with a choice. Stand back and let the injustice continue or intervene in an attempt to save human life. The Sofia city court and the Sofia court of appeal were all presented with a much easier choice than that. Their choice was not one that could result in their own deaths as mine was. Yet still they chose to take the easy way. They chose to bow to the political pressure from the Bulgarian Socialist Party and it’s bureaucrats that float around the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice like bad smell. Although this latest decision keeps me with a 20-year prison sentence, it is useful as evidence to show the depth and width of corruption in the Bulgarian courts and justice system. As disheartening as this blatantly corrupt decision is, we all must take encouragement from the 10 neutral witnesses who did have the moral backbone to come forward and tell the truth. Also from the 5 police who too eventually told the truth despite overwhelming pressures from their superiors. To all those who fight against racism, nationalism, corruption and injustice, I tell you not to loose focus or direction. Do not loose hope. Those who wish to hide the shame that the 15 skinheads brought on Bulgaria have only been successful in increasing it and legalizing it. Ironically Andrei Monov was not ashamed of his nationalism and I doubt he would have lied about actions he and his family are clearly proud of. “Bulgaria for Bulgarians” was what Dr Monov said he and his son believed in. “Defending the underdog” is what I believe in, be it Bulgaria or Bangladesh. The supreme court of appeal will not remedy the injustice. The head judge of the supreme court of appeal was even present at Andrei Monovs funeral. My prison sentence although outrageous, will be served easier now that the evidence is overwhelmingly in concurrence with my statements and that I know I was correct in opposing racism in it’s most disgusting form, violence. My gratitude to my family, friends and comrades who have not supported me as an individual but supported me based on the evidence in my case and the reason for my involvement with the 15 skinheads.
Jock Palfreeman
( source: http://www.brightonabc.org.uk/news.html#6a )
