site.btaUPDATED Interior Minister Tells Parliament Local Authorities Did Not Consult Police before Allowing Football Fans' Protests

Sofia Municipality did not consult the Interior Ministry before allowing a protest against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) on November 16 that turned violent, Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov said here Wednesday. He was speaking during a hearing in the parliamentary committee on internal security, examining the police's actions during the football fans' riots last week.

The Minister pointed out that for several days before the protest the Interior Ministry had been monitoring the organisation in different groups about how football fans intended to gather for a peaceful protest against the BFU leadership, after which the Ministry started communicating with Sofia Municipality.

"On the day before the protest we sent another letter to the Sofia Mayor, informing him once again that an unregulated protest was about to take place, as on the day before the protest it had not yet been coordinated. The next morning, the day of the protest, we understand that this protest has already been coordinated with the Mayor," Minister Stoyanov said.

He noted that while it is not required, the practice back in the years was always to ask the Sofia police for an opinion before coordinating protests, which was not done in this case. 

Speaking November 17, the day after the protest, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said the following: “I would like to clarify that when coordinating the protest with me, none of the responsible institutions gave any sign that provocations and problems were expected, he said. Terziev clarified that the mayor can stop the protest from taking place only when there’s such signals, information and expectations from the State Agency for National Security and the Sofia police.

Minister Stoyanov pointed out that his position and that of the professional and political leadership is a firm dissociation from violence against both citizens and police officers.

Sofia police chief Lyubomir Nikolov said that 95% of those present at the protest were not wearing signs that could be used to conclude that they were fans of a particular football team. He told the MPs how the situation developed during the protest.

Regarding the several recordings that have emerged of police officers' actions towards citizens, Nikolov pointed out that there is clear evidence that three police officers exceeded their rights and are currently suspended. He added that there are reports of three or four others and disciplinary proceedings are likely to be initiated against them as well. Thirty-eight people were arrested for their actions during the protest, 33 police officers and 19 civilians were injured. Twenty-four people have been issued fines of BGN 1,000 and banned from attending sporting events for a year, he said, adding that other citizens have been charged with arson, damage to property and possession of drugs.

As the parliamentary committee was about to start the hearing, police officers rallied outside the Parliament building to express their solidarity with officers who were hurt during the November 16 riots. 

It transpired later in the day that the Interior Ministry's inspectorate will probe the actions of the Ministry's senior leadership during the protest. The planning and preparations for the police's presence will be examined.

Minister Kalin Stoyanov noted that additional training will be ensured for police officers engaged in providing security at mass gatherings.