Bulgaria: Anti-government demonstrations called for nationwide September 10 /update 13

Event

Anti-government demonstrations are set to take place nationwide on Thursday, September 10, as calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's government continue. As part of calls for a 'national uprising', a related protest will reportedly take place in Sofia at the National Assembly from 08:00 (local time). A similar demonstration on September 2 descended into unrest, with the police using pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannon to disperse protesters. Around 200 people were injured and 120 others arrested. 

Demonstrations are to be anticipated across the country and 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

Those 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.