Vyara Todeva

Amid fervent controversy and legal tussles, the bronze figures disassembled from Sofia's Soviet Army Monument are presently en route to a specified storage location, marking a crucial juncture in the ongoing debate surrounding the monument's fate.

The Administrative Court in Sofia has revealed that the dismantling of the Monument to the Soviet Army was carried out without a legal order, leading to a decisive halt of its relocation, as per the court's order published today.

The ongoing dismantling of the Soviet Army monument, commonly known as MOCHA (Monument of the Red Army of Occupation), has stirred significant tensions in Sofia, leading to heightened security for the regional governor, Vyara Todeva.

The dismantling of the Monument to the Soviet Army began, the top of the monument was cut off. This is happening against the background of protests, accompanied by passions, extreme political assessments and comments throughout yesterday. Blockade of Orlov Bridge, police cordon, injured MP from BSP, marches in defense.

"Dismantling of the Monument to the Soviet Army officially begins today", Sofia regional governor Vyara Todeva announced in front of the monument. According to her, the scaffolding around the monument is about to be completed, after which the tallest figures will be dismantled.

"Then everything will be sorted and described on the spot," she explained.

An attack on the monument to the Soviet Army took place last night. Young men broke with a hammer the plaque on the monument known as MOCHA - Monument to the Occupier Red Army, and also attacked with smoke the tent camp that the party "Levitsata" had set up there to guard the monument.

The monument to the Soviet Army in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia may not be moved from the "Prince's Garden" until the end of the year, according to a press release from the Sofia District Administration.