Bulgaria: Protest planned outside US Embassy in Sofia Dec. 13

Event

A protest is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 13, from 14:00 to 15:15 (local time) outside the US Embassy in Sofia. Around 150 people are expected to attend the protest, which may cause traffic disruptions on Kozyak Street. The demonstration is being held to denounce the decision of US President Donald Trump to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. An increased security presence should be anticipated surrounding the US Embassy site on Wednesday.

Context

On Wednesday, December 6, President Trump announced that the US would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and begin making preparations to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The announcement marks a major departure from the longstanding US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city, which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country currently has an embassy in Jerusalem. Various world leaders had strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world. Numerous protests have been reported across the globe in the days since the announcement.

Advice

Individuals in Sofia are advised to avoid all protests due to the potential for violence and to be prepared for traffic disruptions in the vicinity of demonstrations.