Bulgarian Far-Right to Stage New Protest against 'Loud' Sofia Mosque

On May 20, 2011, supporters of the nationalist Ataka party set on fire rugs Muslims use to pray in front of the Banya Bashi mosque in downtown Sofia. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Bulgaria's far-right Ataka (Attack) party is to stage a new protest against volume of the loudspeakers in Sofia's Banya Bashi mosque, it has been announced.

The protest is to take place in front of the Sofia Municipality on Thursday, June 14. Ataka has demanded that Moskovska Street in downtown Sofia be closed during the protest.

According to the nationalist party, some 300 protesters are to attend the event.

On May 2011, supporters of the xenophobic party shocked Bulgaria, as its rally protesting against the use of loudspeakers by the Banya Bashi mosque got out of hand and its activists assaulted praying Muslims in front of the mosque.

The Banya Bashi mosque in downtown Sofia is a part of the city's unique "triangle of tolerance", encompassing also the St Nedelya Church, and the Sofia Synagogue are located within metres of each other in the very centre of the city.

Recently, Bulgaria's Deputy Chief Mufti, Murat Pingov, renewed calls for the construction of a second mosque in the capital.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!