Bulgaria Bows to Victims of Communism

Bulgaria's new President, Rosen Plevneliev, will lay a wreath at the memorial of the victims of the Communist regime in Sofia. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria is marking Wednesday for the second time the official Day of Gratitude and Homage to the Victims of the Communist Regime.

The date February 1 was chosen because on this day, in 1945, the so-called People's Tribunal sentenced to death 3 regents, 67 members of the parliament, 22 ministers, 40 generals and colonels of the royal army and a number of other public figures. The sentences have been executed on that same day.

The cabinet's decision was made under the proposal of two former Bulgarian Presidents – Zhelyu Zhelev (1990-1997) and Petar Stoyanov (1997-2002).

"This day will not only honor the victims, it will give us a starting point for a better understanding of the events of our recent history, without which it is impossible to progress as a democratic and dignified European country," Zhelev and Stoyanov wrote in their letter to Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov.

Solemn masses will be served in several cities across the country. Then one in Sofia will be served at the "St. Nedeliya" Church. Bulgaria's new President, Rosen Plevneliev, will lay a wreath at the memorial of the victims of the Communist regime.

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