Sofia mayor Yordanka Fandukova has said that she will launch an investigation to establish whether the loudspeakers at the mosque are too loud, and are causing obstruction to people who live or work in the area.
“Bulgaria is a legal state with laws and regulations, and my commitment is to do everything possible for them to be upheld,” Fandukova told the bTV
“Regarding the noise levels, there are regulations which stipulate what the acceptable norms are, standards which are set up by the regional health Inspectorate. The mayor has the authority to take action to act on the issue if violations are observed,” she said.
Fandukova also said that the inspectorate will conduct noise level checks across the city centre.
Regarding the carpets strewn around the mosque in the neighbouring park during times of prayer, Fandukova said that the authorities will contact the mosque officials and order them to conduct their service in ways that do not obstruct others in the area.
The controversy happened after two people were arrested and some injured as supporters of Volen Siderov’s Ataka party clashed with Muslims on May 20 2011 as ultra-nationalists protested against the loudspeakers calling the faithful to prayer at the Banya Bashi mosque in central Sofia.
This was the latest in a series of protests which started some years ago against the loudspeakers, but Ataka has revived its campaign in the run-up to Bulgaria’s autumn 2011 municipal and presidential elections, in which Siderov has said he would stand.