Violence & rioting breaks out at Sofia rally

On 14 January 2009 violence and rioting broke out following an anti-government rally in Sofia, the capital. More than 2,000 people, including students, farmers and activists, organized the rally outside the Parliament to protest against the socioeconomic conditions and corruption in Bulgaria. Several hundred protesters began clashing with police officers approximately one hour into the rally. Protesters threw bottles and other projectiles at security forces, smashed windows and damaged nearby vehicles. Authorities eventually quelled the violence; more than 50 people were arrested, while various weapons, such as hand-made grenades, chains and metal rods, were confiscated