Bulgaria: Far-right protest possible in central Sofia Feb. 17, despite government ban on gathering. Counter-demonstration planned /update 1

Far-right groups may protest in central Sofia despite local authorities banning the annual Lukov March as of late Feb. 16; the march commemorates a pro-Nazi WWII general and was scheduled to occur from 14:00. Local authorities estimated that about 1,000 people would participate in the event. Additionally, a counter-protest from Lake Ariana to Banya Bashin Mosque was planned at 13:00; it is unclear if participants will still gather.

Heightened security will still likely be deployed in central Sofia to prevent the gathering and mitigate the impact of any residual protests. Localized transport disruptions are possible near the demonstration sites. Minor confrontations between the participants of the two events and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out, especially if groups ignore official orders and still decide to gather.