Bulgarian Nationalists’ Protest against Mosque Speakers Turns into Collision

Alert DateMay 20, 2011 Country: Bulgaria Address: Sofia, Bulgaria General Type: Racist violence Racism and discrimination phenomena: Islamophobia, Religious intolerance
Groups affected / Interested in: Muslims, Religious minorities Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Religion Hate speech/Racist Discourse Medium: Political Discourse
Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin N/A
Victims Gender Male
Victims Age N/A
Victims Number N/A
Fatalities - deaths N/A
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin Bulgarian
Perpetrator Gender Male
Perpetrator Age N/A
Perpetrators Number N/A
Extremist/Organised Group Violence Yes

On 20 May, 2011 the Bulgarian Nationalists’ party ATAKA organised a protest against the loud noise of the speakers of the Banya Bashi mosque situated in the centre of Sofia. The party activists had received permission by the Sofia Municipality to hold a demonstration in near proximity to the mosque. The ATAKA activists were playing loud music, throwing objects, and were chanting provocative phrases directed to the praying at the entrance of the mosque Muslims, who replied to the provocations with applause. The tension escalated and the protesters, overcoming the escorting policemen, turned upon the pilgrims and set on fire some the prayer rugs. While intervening to remove the nationalists several policemen were wounded.

Source: Actualno.com News Portal, 20.05.2011, http://society.actualno.com/news_346860.html