Far-right nationalists gathered again in the capital of Bulgaria to honor a general from the end of World War II known for his anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi activities
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Far-right nationalists gathered in the Bulgarian capital on Saturday to honor a late World War II general known for his anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi activities.
Facing sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of dark-clad supporters from the Bulgarian National Union group gathered in a central square where they planned to start the annual Lukov March, a torch-lit procession held every February to the general’s former home . Hristo Lukov.
Sofia’s mayor suspended this year’s procession, allowing only flowers to be placed in the house. The police divided the participants into small groups and accompanied them.
Earlier on Saturday, dozens of anti-fascist activists demonstrated against the nationalist event, chanting slogans like “No Nazism on our streets”. A strong police presence blocked any confrontation between the two sides.
Neo-Nazis and like-minded extremists marched for almost two decades in honor of Lukov, who supported Germany during World War II and was killed by members of a resistance movement on February 13, 1943.
The general served as war minister from 1935 to 1938 and led the pro-Nazi German Union of Bulgarian Legions from 1932 to 1943.
Contemporary nationalists deny that Lukov was an anti-Semitic fascist or that they are promoting neo-fascism. They claim that the descendants of the general’s killers are afraid of the annual march.
Human rights groups, political parties and foreign embassies warmly condemn the event every year. Sofia’s mayor had previously banned the march, but organizers have repeatedly managed to secure a court order by revoking the ban.
On Saturday, supporters of the Bulgarian National Union placed a wreath and flowers in front of Lukov’s former home and held torches in honor.