What I don't understand is why people are always going for peace in protests and keep them peaceful, even when it does not make sense. This government in Bulgaria is most obviously corrupt and from the little written here, it's not the "I scratch your back and you scratch mine" violence averse kind of corruption which people end up justifying someway in their heads. If the government has known criminal ties and elections are being rigged and they are brazen about this, then the populace should ready for violent protests. You can start off peaceful and see if that works, but be very very prepared to fight back vigorously when riot police start smashing faces in indiscriminately. People who rule by force most likely need to be removed by force.

I know that this is not a technical related article, but as a Bulgarian who does not live in Bulgaria, sharing this with knowledgeable and intelligent people is my (only) way to help, even if a bit. And I believe that this article gives a good overview of the problems now.

We kicked the commies asses in 97, we will do it again. Btw - throwing stones at government building and officials as we did in 97 should be right of passage to the get the voting rights.