Bulgarian Emil Atanasov, 29, stood in front of jurors accused of murdering another foreign national in St Paul’s Bay two years ago at the start of his jury today.

The prosecution is calling for a life prison term over an incident that happened in an apartment where Mr Atanasov was living with two other flat mates.

Mr Atanasaov is accused of murdering Serb Krstic Dragoljub after an altercation inside the apartment where the victim was drinking and listening to music with the Bulgarian’s flatmates.

Mr Atanasov is also accused of seriously injuring his flatmate Zoran Jocic and being in possession of a knife that was used in the murder.

The Bulgarian pleaded not guilty and has insisted he was acting in self-defense.
At the start of proceedings, police inspector Keith Arnaud gave a description of the murder scene. Jurors were shown the murder weapon, which resembled a survival knife.

The jury is presided by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi. The prosecution is led by by lawyers Elaine Mercieca and Philip Galea Farrugia from the Attorney General’s office, while Malcolm Mifsud is defence lawyer.