In Bulgaria, the city of Popovo became epicenter of escalating protests that led to significant road blockades. Demonstrators seeking justice for the death of a local motorcyclist caused major disturbances, closing key roads, including those to Byala and Razgrad.
Protests that began in October have now forced detours and turned attention to demands for accountability.
The quiet town of Popovo witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests that led to the closure of important roads from Friday evening. The spokeswoman of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Razgrad Iliyana Georgieva confirmed the blocking of the Popovo-Byala and Razgrad-Ruse roads.
This resulted in over 100 vehicles being diverted via alternative routes, causing a ripple effect on daily commutes and local traffic.
The cry for justice is getting louder. At the heart of these demonstrations is the community's plea for clarity and justice following the tragic death of a beloved motorcyclist.
What started as a local protest in October grew into a national movement, with protests spreading to Targovishte.
Protesters for the truth about the death of a motorcyclist from Popovo this evening passed through the town of Opaka and continued to the village of Pisanets, Rusensko. The civil disobedience that started from Popovo road – Byala, is searching for the truth about the death of 24-year-old Momchil - a motorcyclist who died in April near the Popov village of Kardam in a road accident.
According to Momchil's family and relatives, the accident was not the cause of death, but the young man was killed.
„The public reaction to this case is indicative of the boy's personality,” Simon Milkov, organizer of the protest and close to the family, commented to BTA. The demands of the protesters remain as they were formulated at the beginning of the protests in Popovo, Targovishte and Sofia. They demand the resignation of those working in the Regional Police Department in Popovo - Ivan Stefanov, Rositsa Ruseva and Velyo Atanasov.
„We are many again!“ – Milkov said this evening, referring to the working day. From the assembly point on road II-51 Popovo – Byala protesters headed to Opaka. “I will pass through the city to greet Rositsa Ruseva, whom we know is there,” said Simon Milkov. The protestors hold up posters with the face of the deceased and the words "Murderers of Momchil in prison". They chanted “Resign“, “Leave for good!“ and “Murderers”. After the withdrawal from Opaka, the protestors went to the village of Pisanets in the municipality of Vetovo, on the main road Ruse - Varna.
The blockade on Popovo road – White remains indefinitely. School buses, ambulances and fire engines are being missed, said Milkov.
„The peaceful protests will continue until November 11, when the exhumation is scheduled,” said Momchil's father - Svetoslav Stoyanov.
It is planned that on Friday at noon the protest will be moved to the building of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Targovishte.
This past weekend, these efforts intensified, with protesters taking a stand by blocking the Popovo-Byala road and later the main Sofia-Varna highway near Bukhovtsi.
These actions underscore the collective determination to seek answers and hold those responsible accountable.
The ongoing protests in Popovo not only disrupted the normal rhythm of life, but also shed light on broader issues of transparency and accountability in the country. As demonstrators continue to voice their grievances and demand justice, the nation is watching closely, awaiting the authorities' response to this growing call for change.
The protests in Popovo highlighted the community's fight for justice and accountability, affecting traffic and attracting national attention. As the situation develops, the resolve of the protesters and the actions of the authorities remain under close scrutiny.