The protest in front of the National Stadium: People claim that they were beaten by the police without taking part in the riots

In addition to footage of fans throwing bombs and burning buckets, many videos and allegations of police brutality have surfaced on social media. People claim that they were beaten by the police without taking part in the riots.

Mario became a witness to the police operation in the establishment next to the Ministry of Sports. He was at the protest with friends, but claims they then went to watch the game on the small screen when the police surprised them.

“They came in with the tear gas. My eyes were sprayed from 2 cm. I put my hands on my face, I could no longer see anything,” said Mario Sulev. He says he gets hit with a baton.

“Once, but on the sore shoulder. I had fallen and got hit once. I recovered after about 2 hours. And I feel like a victim, because I returned 1 month ago to Bulgaria, here to develop. And this is not my Bulgaria”, added Mario. This man, who did not want to show his face, was also at the bar. “They even entered the sanitary facilities. I hid in the office, which is actually the staff, with no access to outsiders. They went inside, gutted everything – pots, glasses. They started throwing people on the ground,” he said. The SDVR explained the situation as follows: “There, after the vandalism with the burning bus, it was said that they retreated there, were seized and then recognized as the perpetrators of this ugly act. We have self-referred and we will check”, said the chief commissioner Lyubomir Nikolov – director of the SDVR.

The establishment remained closed today. Later in the day, the interior minister stood behind his colleagues. But he said that because of various violent shots like these, the director of the SDVR has ordered an internal investigation into police violence.

Kalin Stoyanov: I do not accept the actions of units of employees who exceeded their rights, an inspection has been appointed

“We will not accept the actions of units of employees who exceeded their rights and did not cope with the task, do not give in to provocations. I and my colleagues do not tolerate this,” said Kalin Stoyanov.

According to SDVR, the tension of the protest started when all around 4,000 fans gathered together.

“There was quite serious tension between them, and then they started with vandalism by throwing heavy objects,” said Stefan Ivanov – deputy director of the SDVR. Vladislav also claimed that he was beaten for no reason. “I was on the sideline, I had my hands up, he swung the bat with all his might without me provoking him. – And hit you in the back? Yes, in the back without provoking him. I have footage and recordings.

The union of employees in the Ministry of Internal Affairs system sent a statement that they do not agree that the control of vandalism and violence against law enforcement agencies should be presented as an act of repression against protesters.