site.btaVictims of Communist Regime in Bulgaria Commemorated

Sofia, February 1 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wrote in his Facebook profile that on February 1 Bulgaria honours the memory of the victims of the communist regime. "On this day 75 years ago, the sentences of the First and Second Chambers of the criminal People's Court were pronounced," recalled Borissov.

"I have always said that democracy and peace are the most valuable things in today's world," he continued. "I am glad that Bulgarians now live in mutual understanding and respect, but that does not mean that we should not remember such regimes in human history and their lessons".

According to the Prime Minister, it is important to know the whole historical truth about totalitarian regimes, but even more important is to never allow them again and sharply condemn any attack on human dignity.

A prayer service honoured the victims of communism in Sofia, while wreaths and flowers were laid in front of the National Palace of Culture memorial wall by National Assembly Chair Tsveta Karayancheva, political leaders and citizens.

"Seventy-five years ago, the date of February 1 entered Bulgarian history with the most mass death sentences of politicians in its contemporary history. Months before and after this day many bankers, journalists, scientists, cartoonists and others lost their lives and/or property," Karayancheva said in her speech.

"Today there are still people who think the People's Court was necessary for its time," said the National Assembly Chair, noting that this is why this day needs to be commemorated and urging people to bi vigilant.

The Bulgarian union of people repressed by the communist regime are demanding the establishment of a anti-communism museum in the capital.

Observed since 2011 on the proposal of two former Presidents, Zhelyu Zhelev and Peter Stoyanov, this day marks the anniversary of the day on which a People's Court installed by the new communist regime in Bulgaria in 1945 passed the most death sentences on politicians, including the three regents, for being responsible for embroiling Bulgaria in the war on Hitler's side.

The twelve panels of the People's Court tried a total of 135 cases with 11,122 defendants and sentenced 9,155 people including 2,730 to death and 1305 to life imprisonment. Those on death row were executed in the night between February 1 and 2, 1945. The Bulgarian elite was destroyed, including the regents, eight royal advisors, 22 cabinet ministers, five former prime ministers, 67 MPs, 47 generals and senior army officers. MY/DT