Groups of migrants attacked young people, walking mostly in the company of girls. As these were teenagers, those attacked were practically unable to defend themselves.

Police in Sofia received reports that in the city center groups of several foreigners were harassing passersby. The incidents became frequent after groups of migrants, mostly young men who entered the European Union through Bulgaria and were registered in the country, were sent back from Austria where they originally headed.

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In recent days, police have stepped up controls around the Sofia center where some of the migrants are being housed, and the number of patrols on the streets has increased after incidents in recent days.

A large rally is also planned for Sunday evening in front of the Interior Ministry to protest the influx of migrants being sent from Western Europe to Bulgaria.

Backroom deals

The partial easing of restrictions for Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen zone was contingent on migrants being sent back to the country. However, the government in Sofia is not disclosing the number of migrants being sent back. Moreover, according to opposition and media reports, this group includes foreigners already convicted of various crimes.

Additionally, data on air traffic show that migrants are arriving in Bulgaria not only from Austria, but also from France and Germany.