Bulgarian Protesters 'Occupy' Downtown Sofia
Domestic | July 18, 2013, Thursday // 10:55| views
As Bulgaria bows to national hero and Apostle of Freedom, Vasil Levski, the anti-government rally came amidst calls for more radical demonstrations and blockades of the Parliament and nearby streets. Photo by BGNES
The anti-government rally has led Thursday morning to a blockade of downtown Sofia.
The key and very busy intersections of Eagles' Bridge, the one across Sofia University, and of "Tsar Liberator" boulevard and "Rakovski" street in the heart of the capital are occupied by protesters.
They are shouting "Red Trash," hissing, blowing whistles and playing drums.
Another group of 200 people remained near the back entrance of the Parliament, booing everyone entering the building and shouting resignation.
Companies, which do not want their names mentioned, are distributing free food and beverages to the protesters.
Huge riot police presence is reported in downtown Sofia.
A very small counter protest against the daily blockades, impeding the already very heavy and congested traffic in the city, was also held Thursday morning near the City Hall building.
The Thursday morning protest is to merge once again with the traditional afternoon rally, the 35th in a row, starting 6:30 pm on Independence square in front of the Council of Ministers building.
The series of the peaceful, but mass and persisting anti-government protests in Bulgaria was triggered by the scandalous appointment of media mogul Delyan Peevski as Chair of the State Agency for National Security (DANS).
Although the appointment was revoked, the people went on to demand that the Socialist-endorsed cabinet of Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski, resign collectively over ties with oligarchs.
Protesters are also calling for Election Code amendments which will guarantee greater representation of the people in Parliament.
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