site.btaInterior Ministry Will Not Allow Threats to People's Lives or Public Order, Minister Mitov Says

The Interior Ministry will not restrict the right of Bulgarian citizens to protest, but violations of public order or threats to people's lives will not be allowed, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said during Question Time in Parliament on Friday.

The reason for his words was a question from Vazrazhdane deputy floor leader, Petar Petrov, on an upcoming protest to preserve the Bulgarian lev.

Mitov replied that the security of the protest is the responsibility of the Security Police. However, if needed, additional Interior Ministry resources may be deployed at the discretion of the regional directorate’s director.

There have been no incidents at recent protests; however, Mitov noted that responsibility lies with both parties, a view shared by Petrov.

In response to another question regarding the February 22 Vazrazhdane protest, after which police officers were reportedly required to give interviews, Mitov clarified that this was not initiated by the Interior Ministry’s press service but was due to media inquiries.

The use of pepper spray at the February 22 protest in Sofia was appropriate and necessary. The order came from a senior official on site. There had been a violation of public order, an attack on police officers and bystanders in the area, and an attack on the European Parliament building in Sofia, Mitov added.