Bulgaria: Anti-government demonstrations to take place nationwide July 29 /update 7

Event

Anti-government protests are set to continue for a twentieth straight day on Wednesday, July 29. Protesters will reportedly gather in Sofia at 19:00 (local time) at the Council of Ministers building. 

Similar protests took place in Sofia on Tuesday, July 28, whereby demonstrators gathered in various locations across the city, including in front of the European Commission building. Reports also indicate that demonstrators blocked traffic on Orlov Most, as well as at the intersection of Bulgaria Boulevard and Fritjof Nansen.

Protests are likely to take place across Bulgaria on Wednesday. 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.