Cries of “svoboda” (freedom) came from the mouths of 25 000 to 30 000 people at Alexander Nevski Square in Sofia on February 9.

This time, people went out not to protest against the ideas of a certain political party, or to ask for higher pensions. This time they were united by their common belief in the innocence of the five Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya.

The rally began at 6pm with a pensive march from the National Palace of Culture (NDK), down Vitosha Street and Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, ending at Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral in the centre of Sofia. It marked the eighth year to the day since they had been given the death sentence for allegedly infecting Libyan children with HIV.

To say that what happened at Alexander Nevski Square was a concert would be wrong. It was above all a quiet protest against the death sentences of the nurses. The feeling one got at the square was that had already been said on the subject and no matter what else was being said on that stage, it did not matter: the nurses were the only ones who deserved attention. The mood could be described simply as humble.

Six children from different religious and ethnic backgrounds said a prayer for the health and freedom of the nurses. A documentary made by the Bulgarian national channel bTV, which told the story of the nurses, was shown on a big screen.

One of the most moving moments, however, was the direct phone conversation with Dr Zdravko Georgiev, the husband of one of the nurses, who was acquitted in 2004 but is still not allowed to leave Libya. He was overwhelmed by what was happening and said that by expressing their support, Bulgarians proved that they are a people.

“With this support we believe that our nightmare will come on an end,” he said, words that were followed by more chanting of “svoboda” on the square.

Georgiev added that the medics were tired after eight years in prison. “But they try to remain strong,. We even try to joke about how absurd this situation is and about our destiny,” he said. Georgiev said that the worst “in this hell, which has lasted already eight years, is that this is happening in the 21st century and to women who are mothers. The scars on their bodies are still evident, but the scars in their souls will never heal.”

In an interview from Los Angeles, singer Silvi Vartan addressed the medics: “Dear nurses, I want you to know that you have not been forgotten and you are not alone.” Vartan also turned to the Libyan leader Muamar Gaddaffi with a message to “hear what millions voices around the world say: release the innocent Bulgarian nurses and Palestinian doctor”.

The event finished with the long-awaited song You Are Not Alone, carrying the name of the on-going campaign. More than 40 Bulgarian musicians from different generations and various genres sang together. As the song finished, six pigeons were released, as a symbol of freedom.

The biggest world media covered the rally in detail. This is the culmination of a series of events that united the whole Bulgarian nation to save the Bulgarian medics, who were wrongfully sentenced to death, CNN reported. BBC, Euronews, Reuters, AP and other leading world media also covered the rally. The song You Are Not Alone was also broadcast by several TV channels.