Clashes between Roma and Bulgarians in Sofia
On 13.08.2007 about 200 people gathered in Krasna Polyana neighbourhood and started an organised fight in a bar. At least four of them were injured and taken to the hospital. Four Roma people from the fighters were arrested but were later released. The fight was considered a revenge for the attack by 30 skinheads on three Roma people from the same district the previous night. On 14.08.2007 the police presence in the area was strengthened to prevent further conflicts. In the same evening the Roma’s wrath led to further clashes. About 300 Roma gathered on Vuzkresenie Boulevard in Krasna Polyana shouting ‘Death to the Bulgarians’. There were Roma not only from Krasna Polyana district but also from Fakulteta neighbourhood. The Roma were armed with wooden poles with nails and were threatening anyone who passed near them. One elderly Roma complained that his community was constantly tortured by the skinheads who were beating elderly Roma, children and pregnant women. The policemen arrived at the scene, but were unable to disperse the crowd, even after shooting in the air. They left after several minutes, returning later with more reinforcements. The Roma people attacked the policemen and according to unofficial information a few policemen were injured.
Source: The Sofia Echo, 20.08.2007, http://sofiaecho.com/2007/08/20/655334_riots-in-sofia
