Sofia police announce security measures as anti-migrant marches planned
Police in the Bulgarian capital Sofia have announced strict security measures because of two marches planned by ultra-nationalists in the city on the evening of November 19 against illegal migration and demanding the closure of refugee shelters in Bulgaria.
Both marches, beginning at 6pm, have Sveta Nedelya Square as their mustering point.
One march will proceed from the square via Maria Louisa Boulevard to the square at Lion’s Bridge.
Another of the marches, which continues until 10pm, will follow a route back via Maria Louisa Boulevard, Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard to the National Assembly square.
Sofia police will have checkpoints at which uniformed staff will check for prohibited items including firearms, fireworks, knives and bottles, among others. No one who is visibly intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics will be allowed past the checkpoints, police said.
Sofia’s Interior Ministry directorate would take every step necessary to protect public order and traffic safety before, during and afer the events, the ministry said. Police would close off roads to traffic as required, the statement said.
“We call on citizens to exercise patience and tolerance in the event of inconvenience,” the Interior Ministry said.
