Anti-government ‘occupy’ protest at Sofia University continues, but way open for classes
The anti-government “Early Rising Students” group at Sofia University is continuing its protest but easing back on the space occupied to allow teaching at the main campus to resume.
This emerged from a statement on Facebook by the student group on November 18 2013.
The protest at the university, demanding the resignation of the Bulgarian Socialist Party government, early elections and thorough political reforms, began on October 23 at the main campus of Sofia University and expanded to an occupation of the whole campus area, including the yard, a few days later.
In spite of the easing of the occupation as of November 13, a main lecture hall will continue to be occupied by the anti-government group.
A member of the group, Angel Zlatkov, told local media that the occupation was indefinite and would be terminated only when their demands were made.
“We, the Early-Rising Students, being sensible people, realise the harm the occupation may inflict on our colleagues, on Sofia Univerisity lecturers and on the university itself, which we hold dear,” the declaration by the students said.
“We would like to invite our colleagues and lecturers to return to Sofia University main building to resume their activities starting from Monday, November 18. The occupation continues from Aula Magna, the most symbolic place in Sofia University main building,” the “Early-Rising Students” group said on Facebook.
Should there be provocations, the group will resume its full occupation of the main campus.
The group said that there would be a protest by all students in front of Parliament on November 20 and 11am. They called on all other students and lecturers to join them in the protest.
(Photo: Clive Leviev-Sawyer)
