Bulgaria bans neo-Nazi event after public outcry

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Bulgarian authorities on Saturday banned a torchlight parade in downtown Sofia in honor of the late general who led the pro-Nazi Union of Bulgarian National Legions during World War II.

Hours before the event, the country’s chief prosecutor called on the mayor of Sofia and the minister of the interior to “ensure the preservation of public order and the protection of the rights of the population before the Lukovi march.”

The event was condemned by human rights groups, political parties and foreign embassies, and the organizers of the march were criticized for promoting racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

Nationalists gathered outside the prosecutor’s office to protest the restrictive measures.

Meanwhile, dozens of anti-fascist activists rallied against the nationalist event and insisted that neo-Nazis be banned.

A strong police presence prevented any clashes between the two sides.

Held annually since 2003, the parade has over the years attracted nationalist admirers of General Hristo Lukov, who supported Germany during World War II and was killed by an anti-fascist resistance movement.

The general served as Minister of War between 1935 and 1938, and from 1942 until his death in 1943 he headed the Association of Bulgarian Legions, which was pro-Nazi Germany.

Organizers deny that Lukov was anti-Semitic or that they were neo-fascists, saying the general was a war hero and a true Bulgarian patriot, and say the event is feared by descendants of Lukov’s killers.

On Saturday, police also closed the streets around Lukov’s residence in Sofia to prevent nationalists from celebrating Lukov’s memory, which has been the highlight of the event in recent years.

In Bulgaria, the poorest member state of the European Union, the presence of right-wing nationalists is increasing, and the Lukov march is their most important public event.