More than 100 persons were arrested in a police operation in Sofia on Saturday night, the Sofia Directorate of the Interior said. Police presence was strengthened in several districts in the capital.
Police officers have been conducting checks in the wake of recent fights involving foreigners.
Outgoing Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov said on Facebook that persons involved in two incidents in downtown Sofia had been arrested. He said there was compelling evidence against racial motivation for the incidents, footage of which was posted on social media.
Stoyanov said the incidents should not be used for political purposes through claims that they were based on race.
Two foreigners, a 24-year-old Egyptian and a 20-year-old Syrian, were arrested for an assault on two underage boys and a girl on the night of March 6. They knew one another and the conflict was personal.
A 16-year-old Bulgarian, known to the police for theft and robbery, was arrested for an assault on British students.
Stoyanov was adamant that the increased presence of police and gendarmerie officers was aimed at preventing more acts of violence against both Bulgarians and foreigners, regardless of whether they are refugees or tourists. Order in refugee centres like the one in Ovcha Kupel is maintained by a private security firm hired by the State Agency for Refugees. Still, the Interior Ministry has increased police presence in the areas of refugee centres to provide peace of mind to local residents.
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