The Sofia Court of Appeal has permanently remanded in custody Bahjat Al-Maqwasi, accused of calling for a "holy war", BTA reported. Al-Maqwasi had appealed against the pre-trial detention imposed on him by the Sofia City Court. Asked by a BTA reporter if he regretted his actions, Al-Maqwasi replied: "Ask the children in Gaza". Al-Maqwasi was charged under Chapter Fourteen "Crimes against Peace and Humanity" of the Criminal Code under Article 407 - "Whoever in any way conducts propaganda for war shall be punished by imprisonment for up to eight years". 

According to the court, there is no evidence to date to cast doubt on the fact that Al-Maqwasi understood the nature and significance of his actions and was capable of controlling his actions.

Al-Makuasi was born in Beirut and has been a resident of Bulgaria for more than 20 years. He was arrested a few days ago for distributing videos calling for jihad.