8 arrests at last night’s demonstration in Sofia

Eight people were detained during last night's protests in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Two were arrested for drug possession and six with knives, knuckle dusters and pyrotechnics, the Sofia Ministry of Interior Directorate said on July 17.

The deputy director Anton Zlatanov, explained that the detainees were part of a group of provocateurs who put on masks late last night and started throwing smoke. However, members of the public formed a human shield between the police and the young people with hoods and black T-shirts to prevent further provocations and clashes with the law enforcement authorities.

"Among the detainees there are minors with previous criminal history... The range of detainees is wide," he said.

Zlatanov also said that the investigation for possible police violence against protesters continues.

"The inspection is ongoing. Some of the employees have been identified and they will be suspended while the inspection is underway," he added.

The deputy director of the Sofia regional directorate of the police called for the protest in front of the former Party House to end at 21:00 - 22:00 p.m.

"After that time, the picture changes, aggressive groups are formed, some of them use alcohol and the tension escalates. We have ways and steps to de-escalate this tension. I ask all the protesters again when it gets dark to go home. Don't stay until late to prevent escalation of tension," Zlatanov said.

He also expressed his gratitude to all police officers who have once again maintained public order in Sofia.

"Most of them are there, working on their day off. Others are there after their normal working hours. No one is having a rest at the moment, everyone is working and doing great. I thank those protesters who when the group of aggressive protesters was formed, they separated from them and helped to prevent escalation of tension. A lot of bottles flew, we were ready for a reaction, but no such reaction happened, thanks to the good interaction of the police with the mebers of the public," said Anton Zlatanov.

He once again called on protesters to show common sense and seek the help of uniformed officers to differentiate themselves from aggressive groups among them.