Bulgaria: Anti-government demonstrators gather nationwide July 29-30 /update 8

Event

Anti-government demonstrators gathered across Bulgaria on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, marking 22 consecutive days of protests in the country. On Wednesday in the capital Sofia, demonstrators blocked major thoroughfares, including along the Dondukov and Tsar Osvoboditel boulevards, at Eagle Bridge, and outside Sofia University "St Kliment Ohridski". Rallies were also set to take place outside the National Assembly building, where a sit-in was called for, and in front of the courthouse. In the city of Varna, a group of protesters obstructed traffic at the Asparuhov Bridge, across which traffic to and from the southern Black Sea coast passes. Large tailbacks were reported in the vicinity of the bridge. In Plovdiv, protesters gathered on Shesti Septembri between Tsar Boris III Obedinitel boulevard and Ruski boulevard, blocking traffic. In Stara Zagora, a motorcade of protesters obstructed traffic in the city center. No clashes were reported in the protests. 

On Thursday, demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly building in Sofia, and continued to block major thoroughfares. Rallies were also reportedly taking place in other cities across Bulgaria.

Protests are likely to continue across Bulgaria in the coming days and hours. Associated disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of any protest site. 

Context

Protests were sparked in Bulgaria after a raid was conducted on July 9, by the Prosecutor-General's Office on the presidential headquarters, which protesters and opponents believe was ordered by Prime Minister Borisov. President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defense adviser were detained for questioning and their offices searched as part of probes into alleged influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. The searches sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the prosecutor-general against Radev.

Advice

Individuals in Bulgaria are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.