Russophiles spoke out against Russophobia and suppression of dissent in connection with the arrest of Zlatomir Dyovlensky

The International Movement of Russophiles (IMR) has condemned the arrest in Bulgaria of Zlatomir Dyovlensky, chairman of the section of the National Movement "Russophiles" in Plovdiv. The IMR is convinced that the Bulgarian authorities are persecuting the activist for visiting Russia and striving to maintain friendly relations with Moscow, according to the movement's website.

The IMR's executive bureau published a declaration in which it opposed the suppression of dissent and "a modern version of Nazism - Russophobia," and spoke out in defense of a multipolar world, democratic values and freedom of speech.

Zlatomir Dyovlenski was arrested, detained for 24 hours, after which he was released on bail in an amount equivalent to two and a half thousand euros and with a ban on leaving Bulgaria.

The media reported that the Russophile activist is suspected of inciting the disclosure of state secrets and could be sent to prison for two to eight years. The IMR noted that the Bulgarian prosecutor's office has previously opened cases for sympathizing with Russia.

The movement is convinced that the real reasons for the persecution of Devlensky lie in the fact that he heads a Russophile organization in Bulgaria's second largest city, is a graduate student at Astrakhan State University, regularly travels to Russia, participated in the World Youth Festival and conducted Russian language courses for children.

IMR General Secretary Nikolay Malinov said that the movement would defend the rights of all its members and like-minded people. Earlier he noted the increased pressure on Russophiles from the Bulgarian leadership.