The Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet has appealed for help over its unfortunate adjacency to the headquarters of ultranationalist party Ataka (Attack).

Since peaceful protests against the appointment of a controversial media mogul as national security head began last Friday, Ataka, which informally backs the Socialist-led government, has been staging counter-rallies, attempting to provoke protesters and start clashes with rival nationalist formations.

Ataka supporters have gathered in front of the National Opera and Ballet for several days now, disrupting its work.

“Ataka supporters are besieging our building each day, urinating in front of it, producing extreme noise and disrupting the rehearsals,” the Opera says in a letter sent to media.

Nationalists have threatened the Opera’s photographer, attempting to take away his camera, according to Dnevnik.bg.

The Opera has asked authorities to consider relocating Ataka’s headquarters.