Jock Palfreeman was a 21 year old Australian visiting friends for Christmas in Sofia, Bulgaria, when he found himself caught up in a situation which has left him serving a 20 year sentence. Jock was walking home after meeting with friends in the early morning 28th December 2007, Sofia. He witnessed a large group of 15 nationalists begin a vicious, unprovoked attack on two young Roma boys. When seeing the group disperse, Jock rushed to check the health of the young boy that didn't manage to escape. At this point the group had reformed and commenced a savage beating of Jock. This is when Jock decided to remove a knife from his pocket. Jock gestured and yelled for the group to "get back" and "go away", however they surrounded him. The group recommenced their assault of punches, kicks and smashing concrete slabs over Jock's head. As the melee finally subsided one of the attackers had been killed and Jock severely beaten. Jock was the lone individual arrested at the scene and to this day has been held as a prisoner at Sofia Central Prison. Despite vital evidence in Jock's favor and obvious flaws and omissions in the evidence provided by the group of attackers, the presiding judge sentenced Jock to 20 years for murder by hooliganism. Jock Palfreeman has now been in Sofia Central Prison for three years. The last hearing of his case was held on 19th of January, 2011. After 30 days, on February 18th, appeal verdict will be made. And we can support Jock. Answer to yourselves. Is self-defense a crime? Is an attempt to stand up for human life deserves punishment of 20 years imprisonment? By signing this petition, let us say together: "Freedom to Jock Palfreeman!"

Links