Bulgarian President Remembers Victims of Communism

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev meets with people repressed by the communist regime in Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

Freedom and democracy must fought for and protected, said Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev at the Memorial for the Victims of Communism in Sofia.

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

"Freedom and democracy ought not only be used, but also fought for, including in hard times," said Plevneliev upon laying a wreath at the monument.

"Getting to grips with our recent history is a necessary condition for taking in earnest the values on which our society is founded," added the Bulgarian President.

"The deaths of those Bulgarians who fell at the hands of the communist regime is one of the most vivid symbols of repression against the Bulgarian people," stated Plevneliev.

February 1 was chosen for commemoration because on this date 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 were executed on that same day.

"In the history not only of Bulgaria, but also of many other European countries, the 20th century has been marked by ideologically motivated violence. We must do more to remember the victims who fell," said the Bulgarian President.

Members of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, cabinet representatives and MPs were also present at the ceremony at Bulgaria's Memorial for the Victims of Communism Wednesday.

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