Bulgarian nationalists face the very real prospect of breaking up after the account of their alleged involvement in a brutal gangland-style assault took a new and unexpected turn.

Bulgarian nationalists leader Volen Siderov has forced his deputy to give a false account of the scandalous highway attack, which rattled the country two weeks ago. The revelation was made by Pavel Chernev, deputy of Ataka (Attack) party, who has allegedly beaten up a young driver of a car on the evening of April 7.

This is the third twist in the statements Chernev made since the scandal broke out. Initially he claimed he punched the 22-year-old man, then said he was not directly involved in the scandal.

On Monday Chernev, known as "the Fist" of the nationalist party, confirmed earlier media reports by saying the person responsible for the incident was actually Volen Siderov's driver - Lyubomir Bakardzhiev.

In the words of Chernev the nationalist leader convinced him to lie about the incident and pretend he was the bully-player, as Chernev and Bakardzhiev are similar in size and posture.

The lawmaker also said Siderov, who interpreted the road accident was an assassination attempt on his life, has produced shots with a gun that night.

According to the latest version produced by Pavel Chernev, he and Volen Siderov were travelling in different cars. Siderov's car crashed into the car driven by 22-year-old Yavor Dokov, after which the young man was beaten up by the angry driver.

"I agreed to lie to show loyalty to my leader," Pavel Chernev told private bTV channel. He added that Siderov wanted to conceal the deeds of his driver who is on probation.

Expelled members from the parliamentary group of Ataka party were quick to seize the clash between Chernev and Siderov to come upon their leader. They said Ataka needs a new parliamentary group, more democratic and certainly not headed by Siderov.

Asked whether he would head such a group, deputy parliamentary speaker Petar Beron said: "Why not"?


The parliamentary group of Attack has already shrunk to the brink of extinction. Out of original 22 Parliament-entrants, the faction is now dented to 14.


MORE Read in the POLITICS Section

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!