Bulgaria: Police clear anti-government protest camps in Sofia and major cities August 7 /update 9

Event

Police deployed to clear anti-government protest camps in Sofia and other major cities across Bulgaria on Friday, August 7, amid the 28th consecutive day of demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov's government. Security forces removed tents that had been erected on three main intersections in Sofia, and reports suggest that a protest had been held in Independence Square on Friday. At least 12 people were arrested by police during these operations. Similar raids were carried out to clear blockades in the cities of Plovdiv and Varna. In addition, police also removed a blockade of the Haskovo-Statra Zagora road.

Activists have called for further protests, and therefore unrest is likely to continue across Bulgaria in the coming days. 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.