NGO Protests Upcoming Neo-Nazi Rally in Sofia

The European Network against Racism (ENAR) has demanded that the so-called Lukov March scheduled to take place in Sofia on February 16 is canceled.

The NGO has sent a letter to Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova and Bulgaria's Ombudsman Konstantin Penchev demanding the cancellation of the neo-Nazi torch procession that commemorate a controversial Bulgarian general.

ENAR has noted that a number of Bulgarian neo-Nazi formations "intend to demonstrate once again their admiration for the openly fascist and racist views of the former minister of war and legionnaire from the time of World War II General Hristo Lukov."

The NGO has pointed out that members of neo-Nazi and neo-fascist groups from abroad (Germany, Russia, Romania, Belgium and others) that are often banned in their own countries will also participate in the upcoming Lukov March.

"ENAR therefore calls on the municipality of Sofia to forbid this demonstration scheduled on 18 February 2012. ENAR also requests that the municipality takes effective measures against the phenomenon of racism," the statement says.

General Hristo Lukov was the commanding General of the 13th Division of the Bulgarian Kingdom's Army during World War I, and later a Minister of War. During the Second World War he was a great supporter of the Axis powers, particularly Nazi Germany.

Lukov was the the leader of the right extremist Union of Bulgarian National Legions.

The neo-Nazi Lukov March has been taking place in Sofia each year since 2004.

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