site.btaInterior Minister Mitov Addresses Public Order and Police Safety after Ministry Anniversary


Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov said that those who violate public order and assault police officers will be held accountable, speaking to journalists after the Ministry of Interior marked 146 years since its establishment with a ceremonial blessing of the flags and the laying of wreaths and flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier on Saturday.
Mitov also referred to the tension during Friday’s protest in defence of the Bulgarian lev, reminding all intending to demonstrate that while protest is a right, it must proceed peacefully and within the law, without breaching public order or threatening police officers. The efforts to break through the security cordon during the protest challenged legal and democratic standards for peaceful assembly, Mitov noted, adding that those detained will face consequences in accordance with legal procedures.
According to Mitov, the police officers injured during the protest are in good condition, have been examined, and are recovering at home.
In his remarks marking the professional holiday of Ministry of Interior staff, Mitov pledged a zero-tolerance approach towards any abuses linked to the transition to the euro. Responding to questions from journalists about possible scams, he said that no incidents have yet occurred, as the process has not started, but warned that once it does, those with criminal intent would likely attempt to find ways to commit fraud and that the Ministry must be prepared. He urged the public to report any such attempts.
When asked about recent assaults by so-called lokali and suspicions of new cases in recent days, Mitov stated that such incidents are not becoming widespread, pointing out that these issues are often exaggerated and that not all conflicts should be attributed to such gangs. He said that while conflict and altercations among citizens do occur, these are unfortunately a regular part of life, and the Ministry of Interior responds to each reported incident.
Over the past month and a half, the Sofia Directorate of Interior has identified over 4,000 individuals in connection with such disturbances, and as a result, gang activity has largely subsided and now only appears sporadically, Mitov said. In his view, police control is not a universal solution; instead, there must be close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Justice to amend legislation on offences by minors, and increased involvement from parents and the educational system. He stressed that many social problems ultimately give rise to such incidents and that the Ministry of Interior is left to handle the aftermath.
/КТ/
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