Protesters over water crisis in Pernik clash with police

Protesters, organized by Vazrazhdane political party on January 27 gathered in front of the building of the Ministry of the Regional Development and Public Works in central Sofia, demanding the government resign because of thewater crisis in the town of Pernik. They tried to enter the building, but police stopped them. The Interior Ministry said they used pepper spray against the provocateurs. 40 people were injured, two were taken to Isul hospital, Emergency Aid spokeswoman Katya Sungarska told BNT.

The Interior Ministry said that participants in the protest tried to break through the police cordon and enter the building. As a result of their actions, the front door of the ministry was broken. Two police officers were injured from a thrown object and a hit with a flag handle. They were given medical help.

Despite the warnings, protesters failed to comply with police orders. This necessitated the use of a pepper spray.

According to Katya Sungarska, 6 ambulances arrived on site. The pepper spray affected 40 people. 30 of them were given medical help on the spot, two were admitted to ISUL hospital.

Police presence remains in place. The identities of the protesters that provoked tensions have been established.