DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL BUILDINGS IN A ROMA NEIGHBOURHOOD IN VARNA BEGAN

Demolition of illegal buildings in “Mascuda” Roma neighbourhood in the Bulgarian Black Sea coastal city of Varna began about 9.00 a.m on 20th of August. The residents of 61 houses were notified over a year ago about the intended demolition.

Most of the illegal buildings are shacks made by available materials.

520 people live there according to official registrations. According to the Mayor of the region, Hristo Hristov, the Roma people are not more than 300. About 200 children live in the neighbourhood and they will be accommodated in social homes.

Over 50 illegal houses have to be demolished by the end of the day.

There is stronger police presence in the region.

Some of the residents living in the illegal houses personally removed their belongings from the houses, others however took out sickles and axes to threaten the police.

Excavators, ambulances and gendarmerie started arriving early in the morning, before 9.00 o’çlock. A little later, about 10.00 a.m, bricks and stones were thrown at the gendarmerie and the police, who were guarding the demolition of the illegal buildings in the neighbourhood.

One of the families tried to save their home by putting their children on the roof, where they set fire and started throwing stones. Another Roma man threatened to set fire on himself. These incidents postponed the demolition but did not stop it. The remaining 12 illegal constructions will be demolished next week.

Mediators are working in the neighbourhood, persuading the Roma people to personally remove their belongings.

The orders for the demolition of the illegal buildings were issued a year ago and the residents were notified, said the Mayor of “Mladost” region in Varna, Hristo Hrisov. He explained that the orders came into force and not a single one was appealed.