Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev expresses his categorical indignation at the arson attack on a car and the attempted arson attack on the home of the mayor of the village of Bistritsa, Samuil Popov.
„The arson attack on a car and the attempted arson attack on the home of the mayor of Bistritsa, Samuil Popov, are unacceptable and require an immediate, visible reaction from the state – even more so given data on previous threats and reports,” Terziev stated.
The Sofia Municipality recalls that in recent months the mayor of Bistritsa has filed reports to the competent institutions regarding unregulated dumping of soil masses and illegal dumps in the region, as well as threats made to him. These reports have been investigated, but the case raises the question of the effectiveness of the measures taken and the need for real prevention.
“Why is the scenario the same every time - there are reports, there are warnings, there are threats, and then an attack follows. Where are the preventive actions of the services? Where is the Ministry of Internal Affairs and where is Daniel Mitov? How many more serious cases must occur for the ministry's leadership to take political responsibility,” asks Vasil Terziev.
“The state cannot react post factum – it is obliged to prevent.“
The Mayor of Sofia insists on a quick, transparent and effective investigation that will identify both the perpetrators and the possible instigators. According to him, an attack against an elected representative of the local government is an attack on the institutions and on the right of citizens to be represented without fear and pressure.
The Sofia Municipality expects specific actions and public accountability from the competent authorities.