# Bulgarian police detention of activist Gergana Petrova > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-police-detention-of-activist-gergana-petrova > Updated: 2026-09-03T15:01:11.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4. The detention of activist and journalist Gergana Petrova during President Rumen Radev’s visit to Strumyani has triggered a political and legal controversy in Bulgaria regarding police conduct and journalist rights. Authorities from the National Service for Protection (NSO) and the Ministry of Interior alleged that Petrova entered a restricted journalistic zone and failed to provide identification. Petrova has contested these claims, stating she was filming in a public space and that the request for ID was a pretext for her removal. She further alleged that officers used physical force, resulting in bruises and injuries from handcuffs. In response to the incident and subsequent public outcry, President Radev ordered an investigation into the actions of the Ministry of Interior and the NSO to determine if there was an abuse of power. Interior Minister Ivan Demerzhiev dismissed the director of the Blagoevgrad Regional MVR Directorate, citing a failure to report the incident promptly and excessive officer actions. Demerzhiev also noted reports that Petrova had been detained in previous years on suspicion of a serious murder. Petrova has responded by announcing intentions to sue Minister Demerzhiev and the Ministry of Interior. She alleges that his public comments regarding her past investigation constitute defamation, abuse of power, and the disclosure of official or investigative secrets. She claims these statements caused significant non-material damage and is preparing a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights regarding the violation of the presumption of innocence. Records indicate that while Petrova was previously investigated in connection with a 2013 murder, no charges were proven in court and the case against an alleged accomplice was terminated in 2015 due to lack of evidence. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Gergana Petrova threatens legal action against Bulgarian Interior Minister Bulgarian activist Gergana Petrova is threatening legal action against Interior Minister Ivan Demerzhiev following her detention in Strumyani and his public comments linking her to a 2013 murder investigation. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gergana-petrova-vows-to-continue-activism-after-police-detention ### 2026-09-02: National Security Service addresses Gergana Petrova detention The National Security Service denied restricting media access during the Prime Minister's visit to Strumyani, stating Gergana Petrova refused to provide identification during her detention. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-security-service-addresses-gergana-petrova-detention ### 2026-08-31: Gergana Petrova demands accountability after police removal in Strumyani Activist Gergana Petrova is demanding accountability after being forcibly removed by police during President Rumen Radev’s visit to Strumyani. An official investigation has been ordered. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gergana-petrova-demands-accountability-after-police-removal-in-strumyani ### 2026-08-28: Gergana Petrova detained during Prime Minister Radev's visit to Strumyani Journalist and activist Gergana Petrova was detained in Strumyani during Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s visit, prompting a government investigation and the dismissal of a regional police director. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/activist-gergana-petrova-arrested-in-strumyani-during-prime-ministers-visit --- Cite as: Bulgarian police detention of activist Gergana Petrova. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-police-detention-of-activist-gergana-petrova