site.btaThose Arrested for Arson in Veliko Tarnovo Will be Tied for Terrorism, Says Interior Ministry Secretary General

Those arrested for arson in Veliko Tarnovo will be tried for terrorism, said Interior Ministry Secretary General Miroslav Rashkov at a briefing with journalists in the village of Ilindentsi. He explained that the case will be classified as arson under the Criminal Code. In this situation, the deliberate actions will be tried as terrorism, Miroslav Rashkov explained.

Two people between the ages of 34 and 40 have been arrested in connection with the arson attacks in the country, Deputy Interior Minister Tony Todorov and Zahari Vasskov, head of the National Police General Directorate said earlier in the day. The detainees have criminal records.

The fire in the Ilindentsi area, Strumyani municipality, is huge, but there is no danger to populated areas, no casualties or injuries, said Rashkov. One woman refused to leave her home on Sunday during the evacuation of people in Simitli. She inhaled harmful gases and is in hospital but in good condition.

The situation is serious given the temperatures. The entire country is involved in providing assistance in critical areas, said Rashkov. There are over 260 active fires. Three or four of them are more serious. On Sunday, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated, and aircraft are arriving to provide assistance.

“A firefighting team from Turkiye has been deployed through the Kapitan Andreevo contact centre. At the moment, there is no danger to populated areas. I appeal to everyone: conscience plays a huge role,” Rashkov added.

He reported that there is resistance in some places from people who do not want to be evacuated. “At such times, we have the right to use tougher measures to protect people's health and lives,” Rashkov said. He explained that there was such a case on Sunday near Vlahi and it will be investigated.