site.btaProtesters Demand Closure of Registration Centre for Migrants in Harmanli

A protest in Harmanli (south-central Bulgaria) on Friday demanded the closure of the local Registration and Reception Centre (RRC) for migrants. It was organized on a civic basis.

About a hundred people participated in the manifestation of discontent. During the march, national flags were waved and the crowd chanted "Refugees out!"

“Our main demand is to close the centre and move it out of the area,” said organizer Nikolay Georgiev. He pointed out that the protesters call for the conversion of the centre into a production facility which will open new jobs. “Because of the presence of migrants, people have started to leave the city, Georgiev explained.

Georgiev said that protesters will find it acceptable if the authorities initially turn the centre into a closed type detention facility.

According to him, migrants gather in crowds in gardens, harass the young girls and whistle at them. Todorov added that there are incidents between them that are covered up.

“I am here at the invitation of the protesters,” said MEP Angel Dzhambazki from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group. “If the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is adopted, it will be harmful for us and not in our interest,” he warned.

Dzhambazki also said that the role of Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency) at the moment is to register as many irregular migrants as possible in Bulgaria, which is probably part of the additional agreement with Austria.

Harmanly Mayor Maria Kirkova said that the demand for a stronger police presence has already been met.

The Harmanli RRC Director, Yordan Panev told BTA that the situation in the center is calm and there is no room for concern. According to him, currently 519 people, mainly Syrian citizens, are accommodated in the institution, representing 31% of its capacity. So-called "singles" - young unmarried men considered potentially dangerous by locals - make up between 40 and 50% of the centre's residents. Panev also pointed out that security measures have been increased.