site.btaInterior Minister: Police Officers at National Theatre Protest Reacted Adequately, No One Was Injured

More than 60 police officers were at the protest in front of the National Theatre and reacted adequately, caretaker Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov said on Bulgarian National Television's morning show on Friday. Tension escalated outside the National Theatre in central Sofia on Thursday as protestors tried to stop the premiere of the George Bernard Shaw play Arms and the Man, which they believe to humiliate Bulgaria. 

Ilkov said the authorities were officially informed that the protest will take place. "The necessary number of officers were provided to ensure security and peace. More than 60 officers were engaged in guarding public order," he pointed out. He added that after tensions arose, additional forces were involved to carry out patrol activities in the city.

Asked whether the police officers on the ground had performed properly, Ilkov confirmed and stressed that they had done everything necessary to prevent endangering the lives and health of both the citizens and themselves. "No protesters or citizens who came to watch the play were injured," the Minister added. There were also no arrests. Ilkov assured that an analysis of the overall situation will be made on Friday.

The protestors called for the resignation of National Theatre director Vassil Vassilev. He tried to reason with the crowd but was assaulted by them and security guards helped him get back inside the theatre building. 

It was not appropriate for the National Theatre Director to approach the protesters, the caretaker Interior Minister said. "I am not saying he was to blame. I am saying that his action was inappropriate, and if it had been coordinated with my colleagues, if it had been done in a slightly different way, perhaps tension would not have escalated," Ilkov said.

Eventually, the play was staged despite the ongoing protest outside the theatre. It was watched by a small audience, mostly comprised of reporters, as the protesters refused to allow ticket holders to enter the building.