Roma Tensions Escalate in Bulgaria's Yambol

Hundreds of Roma from the city of Yambol spent the night outside after being evicted from the notorious apartment building 20. Photo by BGNES

The authorities will begin installing a fence around the notorious apartment building 20 in the "Rayna Knyaginya" district of the southern city of Yambol.

The news was reported by the Mayor of the city, Georgi Slavov, who spoke in an interview for the TV channel bTV.

The fence aims at limiting to the maximum access to the dangerous building which could crumble down any moment. The demolition is scheduled for October 15, and the City Hall has already selected, through a public tender, the company that will carry it out.

The deteriorating building was populated by Roma, whо were ordered by the Mayor to vacate it by September 16.

The Roma were evicted Thursday with increased presence of police and firemen, after local authorities declared an emergency situation in the area and а 10-year-old girl was brought to the Yambol hospital Wednesday evening in critical condition. The girl was injured when some Roma, angered by the order, began tearing down the panel construction. 2 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. They have made full confessions.

Despite the eviction, scores of Roma families remain in the area, living in the fields around the building, saying they have nowhere to go and insisting to return inside. They also refuse to send their children to school, demanding social services must first come and see how they live.

The area around the building remains sealed.

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