Inmates protest in Sofia and Varna prisons

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SOFIA-VARNA, 18-21 August 2001 - Twenty-four inmates from Sofia's Central Prison broke out onto the prison's roof at noon on August 18 and hung up signs: "This is Not a Riot, but a Protest", "We Want Media". The protesters asked for an immediate meeting with Justice Minister Anton Stankov. Five hours later the minister arrived to meet with them. After reporters were admitted to the prison, the protest activities were suspended.

>The protesters said that the bad living and sanitary conditions, insufficient and low-quality food, slow judicial system and high sentences were behind their protest.

Three days later, thirty-one inmates from the prison in Varna announced they were going on hunger strike. Their protest was also motivated by the bad living conditions and food, and the judicial system. They have insisted on fair sentences. The protesters have signed declarations in support of the Sofia protesters.

The prison in Sofia was built from 1905 to 1911, and the one in Varna in 1932. Both prisons are overcrowded, the cells have no toilets with as much as 30-40 inmates using one common toilet. The daily food allowance is 0.84 BGN [0.38 USD]. There are over 170 accused whose cases have not been completed during the last six months. It may take years to pass a final conviction after the initial indictment.

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