Excavators demolished on Thursday night the emblematic Tobacco Warehouse in Plovdiv. The operation was carried out secretly and hastily.

 According to caretaker Minister of Culture Velislav Minekov, demolition activities had started because procedures are pending on granting the buildings of the so-called Tobacco Town a cultural monument status. Minister Minekov was adamant that he would force the investors to restore the Tobacco Warehouse. 

During his midnight visit to the town of Plovdiv, Minister Minekov announced that as of September 2, the entire Tobacco Town will be granted the status of an immovable cultural value. "I will not allow the demolition of Bulgaria's most beautiful town" said Velislav Minekov.

Meanwhile, the District Prosecutor's Office Plovdiv has opened pre-trial proceedings in connection with the demolition of the Tobacco Warehouse.