23 Oct 2024 | 03:55 PM UTC
Bulgaria: Lawyers, activists to demonstrate nationwide Oct. 25
Lawyers, activists to protest at courthouses in Sofia, other urban centers in Bulgaria Oct. 25. Localized heightened security likely.
Lawyers affiliated with a number of organizations are calling for protests in cities across Bulgaria at 12:30 on Oct. 25. The purpose of the demonstrations is to denounce the nomination of a new national chief prosecutor by the Supreme Judicial Council despite the council members' mandate having expired. Organizers announced that a protest will occur at Sofia City Court on Vitosha Boulevard, and called for protests at city courthouses nationwide. Additional protests are likely at locations including:
Burgas: Burgas District Court on Ulitsa Aleksandrovska.
Plovdiv: Plovdiv Regional Court on 6-ti Septembvri Boulevard.
Ruse: Ruse City Courthouse at Ruse Tsentar.
Stara Zagora: Stara Zagora Regional Court on Metodiy Kusev Street.
Varna: Varna Regional Court on Ploshtad Nezavisimost.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near any demonstrations that take shape, and will likely be most severe near Sofia City Court. Though unlikely, low-level confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out.
Avoid affected areas as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near any protest sites. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
