site.btaUPDATED Foreign Ministry Issues Position against Holding of Neo-Nazi March in Sofia

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry issued a position against the planned holding of the so-called Lukov March, the Ministry said on Friday.

Lukov March is torchlit procession which has been taking place annually in February since 2003 to mark the anniversary of General Hristo Lukov's execution-style murder by two Communist militants. Lukov (1888-1943) was a popular military commander but was also known for his close links to the Third Reich and his activity as leader of the far-right Union of Bulgarian National Legions.

"Hatred, discrimination and anti-Semitism have no place in our country. They are incompatible with the values, identity, customs and interests of the Bulgarian society. Manifestations such as the so-called Lukov March undeservedly present the Republic of Bulgaria in a negative light," the statement reads.

Welcoming the efforts of the Bulgarian institutions to counter hatred, discrimination and anti-Semitism, the Foreign Ministry calls for all necessary actions to be taken, within the framework of the statutory procedure, to prevent the so-called Lukov March from taking place again in 2024.

The Foreign Ministry will continue to oppose any attempt to incite hatred and division in Bulgarian society and to damage the international image of the Republic of Bulgaria, the statement adds.

Later on Friday, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev wrote on Facebook that any attempt to hold events that threaten social peace, the dignity of citizens and common human values will be denied. "I count on the competent institutions to stand by us in this decision. Provocations to violence, the propaganda of racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, sexism have no place in our lives and our city," says the mayor of the capital.

The Sofia Town Hall has not authorized the procession on Saturday, and measures will be taken to prevent any attempts.