Former Bulgarian communist leader Todor Zhivkov was convicted Friday of misappropriating state property and exceeding his authority, and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Zhivkov, who molded Bulgaria into the most loyal of Soviet allies, was the first former Soviet bloc leader to be tried and sentenced.Both the defense and the prosecution said they would appeal. The defense had sought acquittal, and the prosecution wanted a 10-year sentence.
The 81-year-old Zhivkov has said he expects to spend the rest of his life behind bars on what he calls trumped-up charges. He pleaded not guilty, and some legal experts say the prosecution's case rests on no legal framework.
Zhivkov, appearing drawn and distracted, managed a forced smile for reporters as he was led into the courtroom to hear the verdict.
"I have nothing to be afraid of," he said. He refused to answer questions after the verdict and sentence were read.
Chief Judge Stefanka Stoyanova read them on behalf of a seven-member panel of professional and lay judges.