Eight detained during protest in Sofia

Seven men and a woman were detained on May 14 during protests in the capital city of Sofia, the press office of the Ministry of Interior announced.

Three of them - aged 21, 40 and 45 and a 36-year-old woman - were detained for non-compliance with a police order. A 46-year-old man was found in possession of prohibited object, a knife.

Another of the detainees, a 42-year-old man, has a record of previous criminal offences and had been circulated as wanted.

Two men, aged 32 and 33, with a history of multiple previous criminal offences, were detained after throwing objects, including bottles, at the finance ministry building.

During the protests in the centre of Sofia, the police prevented attempts for disturbance of the public order, for blocking traffic on main roads and breaking through police cordons.

According to the new anti-epidemic measures set out in a Health Minister's order and in force from today, holding such organized events in groups of more than 10 people is not allowed.

Earlier, some of the protesters made an attempt to break into the building of the Parliament.

Police teams continue to work for preserve the public order and prevent violations.

At midday, dozens of people gathered outside the building of the Parliament, calling for the resignation of the government.

The protesters marched through central Sofia accusing the government of imposing confusing restrictions aimed at combating the coronavirus.

The protest was organised by the ultra-nationalist Vazrazhdane party. The police presence remains strong in the area.

The leader of the organization, Kostadin Kostadinov, is being investigated by the prosecutor's office on suspicion of misappropriating the party's subsidy.