SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) – Far-right nationalists gathered on Saturday in the Bulgarian capital to honor a World War II general known for his anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi activities.
Braving freezing temperatures, hundreds of dark-clad supporters of the Bulgarian National Union group flocked to a central square where they planned to start the annual Lukov March, a torch-lit procession held every February. to the former home of Gen. Hristo Lukov.
The mayor of Sofia suspended this year’s procession and only allowed the laying of flowers at the house. The police divided the participants into small groups and escorted them.
Earlier Saturday, dozens of anti-fascist activists demonstrated against the nationalist event, chanting slogans such as “No Nazis on the Street”. A heavy police presence blocked all clashes between the two sides.
Neo-Nazis and like-minded extremists have been marching for nearly two decades in honor of Lukov, who supported Germany during World War II and was assassinated on February 13, 1943 by members of a resistance movement.
The general served as Minister of War 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 promote neo-fascism. They claim that the descendants of the general’s assassins fear the annual march.
Human rights groups, political parties and foreign embassies have vehemently condemned the event every year. The mayor of Sofia previously banned the march, but the organizers repeatedly managed to get a court order that overturned the ban.
On Saturday, supporters of the Bulgarian National Union placed a wreath and flowers in front of Lukov’s former home and held torch lights in tribute.