The National Youth Committee of IMRO referred to the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office the case of the public and demonstrative desecration of the Bulgarian tricolour during Sofia Pride. From the stage of the obscene event, singer Mila Robert „took off“ a dress with the colours of the Bulgarian flag and demonstratively threw it on the ground, staying in a dress with the colours of the LGBTI+ movement. The singer proudly pointed to the colourful garments, showing her complete disregard and denial of the national symbol.
„I hereby notify you of an act that constitutes a defamation of the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria and is in violation of Article 108, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code,“, Chairman of IMRO Hristo Ivanov wrote.
He added facts to the event, namely that on 22 June 2024, during the public event „Sofia Pride 2024“, held at the Knyaz Alexander Battenberg Square, the singer Mila Robert, with full name Mila Robert Gergova, performed acts that tarnished the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria. Specifically, at approximately 7:28 p.m. /3:29:25 of the live broadcast on the Facebook page of the event/, she appeared on stage wearing the flag, then stripped it off and demonstratively threw it on the ground in front of the crowd and during the live broadcast. These actions last approximately 35 seconds /in the range of 3:29:50 to 3:30:05 of the Facebook live broadcast/.
The chairman of the youth organization of IMRO turned attention to the legal justification for the report:
„Pursuant to Article 108, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code, „Whoever in any way tarnishes the coat of arms, the flag or the anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria, or the flag or the anthem of the European Union, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to three thousand BGN.“
We would like to remind you that apart from the provocation of the gay parade to be held on Cherry All Souls’ Day, on the eve of the great Christian holiday Pentecost, the organizers also mocked the slogan of one of the events of the Family Month, namely the concert „Our home is Bulgaria“, announcing the slogan of Sofia Pride – „Bulgaria is our home“. This in itself strongly contradicts with the actions demonstrated by the visitors of the event, who openly mock the customs and traditions of Bulgaria, calling them „vulgar“, „outdated“ and „retrograde“. All this combined with the demonstration by Mila Robert describes the attitudes of the event participants eloquently enough.
The members of IMRO attached the full text of Hristo Ivanov‘s report to the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office:
„Regarding: Report of desecration of the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria during Sofia Pride 2024
Ladies and gentlemen,
With this report, I would like to notify you of an act that has been committed, which constitutes tarnishing the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria and is in violation of Art. 108, para. 2 of the Criminal Code.
On 22 June 2024, during the public event Sofia Pride 2024, held at the Knyaz Alexander Battenberg Square, singer Mila Robert, with full name Mila Robert Gergova, performed acts that tarnished the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria. Specifically, at approximately 7:28 p.m. (3:29:25 of the live broadcast on the event’s Facebook page), she appeared on stage wearing the flag, then stripped it and demonstratively threw it to the ground in front of the crowd and during the live broadcast. These actions last approximately 35 seconds /in the range of 3:29:50 to 3:30:05 of the Facebook live broadcast/.
Gergova’s actions are an example of extreme cynicism and audacity, as they were carried out during an event with a huge concentration of public attention, during the presence of a large audience and during a live broadcast on social networks and other media and non-media channels for information spreading. This behavior is in direct violation of the law and constitutes a gross violation of national pride and honor.
I am attaching the following evidence to this report:
- A video recording on a USB device that contains the complete incident;
- Link to the live broadcast on the official Facebook page of the Sofia Pride 2024 event.
We’d like to draw your attention to the fact that Mila Robert Gergova’s stated actions are particularly reprehensible, as they contradict the motivation expressed by the organizers of Sofia Pride 2024 and the motto of the event – „Bulgaria is also our home“. The organizers publicly stated that the event was held in the spirit of „love for the homeland“ and „patriotism“, but Gergova’s actions clearly and unequivocally show a complete disrespect and cynical attitude towards the Bulgarian flag, which is sacred to every Bulgarian citizen.
The Bulgarian flag cannot and must not be used as a garment, nor be taken off and thrown on the ground. These actions are not only a gross violation of the law, but are also a direct mockery of the national symbol, which is unacceptable in a democratic country, where respect for national symbols should be in the first place.
I’d like to ask that the necessary investigation be carried out and that the person be held accountable in accordance with applicable law.“
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