Protest in Burgas for the Mayor's Resignation over Child Abuse

The civic movement "We Don't Keep Silent" protested in Burgas, demanding the immediate resignation of the mayor of Pomorie Municipality, Ivan Aleksiev. The reason for the discontent is the mayor's reaction and the actions of the institutions following reports of violence against a four-year-old girl in the "Radost" kindergarten in Kableshkovo. This became clear from a statement by Nikolay Kyuchukov from the movement, made during the protest.

The event, organized by "We Don't Keep Silent", took place in front of the Courthouse in Burgas. Dozens of citizens, including parents who came with their children despite the unfavorable weather, joined the protest.

At the protest site, a picture of strong public concern was observed. The protesters held placards expressing strong indignation and a call for action. The inscriptions on them – "Stop the silence! Stop the violence!", "Don't turn your head today, because tomorrow it might be your child", "Resignation", "No to violence against children", "Behind every frightened child stands the silence of the adults", "Children have the right to laugh, not to be silent" – clearly demonstrated the seriousness of the situation and the desire for change. The protesters clarified that these posters were dedicated to all children who have experienced violence, regardless of whether it is visible or hidden behind closed doors.

According to the organizers, the choice of location for the demonstration is not accidental. The Courthouse is the seat of the institutions which, in their words, showed "insensitivity and inaction" in the case.

"We want the resignation of the mayor of Pomorie. This man allowed himself first to insult from his tribune, second - to insult the media, and third - to reveal the identity of an innocent child to all of Bulgaria", Kyuchukov was categorical.

According to him, the reaction of the prosecutor's office is "sluggish, insensitive and even mocking" towards the suffering of the child and his parents. Kyuchukov strongly criticized the fact that documents from the University Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment in Burgas, presenting medical evidence of violence, were questioned.

"We all clearly know that the teacher who brought us to the street was removed from two kindergartens in 2018 and 2019 due to incompatibility. How does she continue to work with children", Kyuchukov asked, emphasizing the need for real measures, not just promises.

Among the main demands of the movement are the resignation of Mayor Ivan Aleksiev, quick and transparent investigations in cases of violence against children, the introduction of working video surveillance in kindergartens with strict guarantee of security and protection of personal data, the creation of a register of those convicted of sexual crimes, which should be accessible to every parent, as well as regular inspection and control of the teaching staff, including in the case of reappointments.

After the end of the demonstration in Burgas, the protesters organized a motorcade to Pomorie. There they intend to go to the building of the Municipality to directly express their demands to the local authorities and seek accountability from Mayor Aleksiev.