Bulgaria: Thousands of anti-government protesters gather in Sofia July 25 /update 6

Event

Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered near the Presidency Building in Sofia on Saturday, July 25, in calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov amid allegations of widespread corruption. The supporters of the political opposition, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, called for the rally with estimates that some 10,000 people attended. The event was largely peaceful, with reports of overland disruption in the protest area and minor vandalism. Dozens of people have, however, been arrested since the protests began on  July 9.

Further protests and associated disruptions over the issue are likely in the near term.

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 Sofia 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.