Anti-Migrant Protest Held in Bulgarian Border Town

The residents of Lesovo in Southeastern Bulgaria have demonstrated against the construction of a provisional facility that will accommodate migrants, national TV stations report.

On TV, protesters are seen holding banners with messages that can be translated as "I Do Not Want Refugees in Bulgaria" and "Our forefathers fulfilled their duty. So should we" in an apparent reference to a fight for the country's liberty and independence from an Islamic civilization (Bulgaria gained independence from the Ottoman Empire just over 138 years ago).

Lesovo mayor Dimitar Bivshev called locals' concerns "legitimate", given the recent developments in Harmanli, not far from Lesovo, where hundreds were detained and up to hundreds arrested in riots late in November.

Dimitar Ivanov, Governor of Yambol which is the central town of the region, says tension is being created "artificiallY" by some people.

He points out the facility will be set up kilometers away from the village.