Bulgaria: Demonstrators to gather in Sofia July 13 /update 2

Event

A rally has been planned in Sofia on Monday, July 13, on the fifth consecutive day of protests. Approximately 3,000 protesters gathered outside government offices in the capital on Sunday, July 12, and marched to parliament. Associated protests were also held in at least ten other cities across the country. Activists congregated to protest alleged widespread corruption and to demand the resignation of the conservative government, as well as to denounce the police's alleged use of excessive force to disperse recent anti-government demonstrations. On Friday, July 10, rallies turned violent with several people wounded after police intervened to disperse crowds and at least 18 people arrested. Reports indicate that the rally in Sofia on Sunday passed without incident and that pro-government counter-demonstrations were also held.

Further protests are to be expected; nationwide rallies have reportedly been planned for Thursday, July 16. Counter protests, associated disruptions, and a heightened security presence are to be anticipated in Sofia and other major cities in the near term.

Advice

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