Union of Bulgarian National Legions

Amidst a growing controversy, the anticipated Lukov March procession in Sofia has been abruptly halted by order of the city's mayor, Vasil Terziev. Despite initial attempts by organizers to proceed with the event, a directive from municipal authorities effectively put an end to the planned commemoration.

A woman holds the portrait of General Hristo Lukov during a march in Sofia13 on February 2021. Members of several nationalist organizations took part in the march in the commemoration. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The Defence Ministry has defended the decision to award a 96-year-old member of the pre-World War II Union of Bulgarian National Legions, Dyanko Markov, despite an outcry from Jewish organisations who say he was complicit in the deportation of Bulgarian Jews.

The so-called Lukov March was held in Bulgaria's capital Sofia on Saturday even though Mayor Yordanka Fandakova ordered an end to the torch-lit rally.

Lukov March, known in Bulgaria as Lukovmarsh, is a controversial commemoration of the life and death of Gen Hristo Lukov.

Held since 2003, it honours a supporter of Bulgaria's alliance with Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova has refused to issue permission for the holding of a torchlight procession in honour of a Bulgarian army general known for his pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic activities during WWII.

Russia has called on Bulgarian authorities to prevent a planned torchlight rally organised by a Bulgarian radical nationalist party in honour of a controversial WWII army general known for his pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic activities.

The Russian Embassy in Bulgaria has sent a protest note to the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry citing the UN resolution on combating glorification of Nazism.