Politicians, Public Figures, Citizens Pay Tribute to Victims of Communist Regime

Risida Dimitrova, Sofia Gospodinova

Wreath laying at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, Sofia, February 1, 2026 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

01.02.2026 14:10

(BTA)

Politicians, public figures, and citizens paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the communist regime at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, located next to the temple of Bulgarian Martyrs, near the National Palace of Culture in Sofia on Sunday.

Bulgaria marks the Day of Gratitude and Homage to the Victims of the Communist Regime. The largest single spate of executions in Bulgarian history was carried out on this date 81 years ago. On February 1, 1945, death sentences were handed down by the First and Second Panels of the People’s Court. On that day, the First Supreme Panel of the People’s Court sentenced the regents, royal advisers, ministers, and members of parliament, whom it declared "guilty for the Third National Catastrophe and for crimes committed against the Bulgarian people during their rule in the service of pro-German imperialism".

On August 26, 1996, the Supreme Court overturned the verdicts issued on February 1, 1945.

A memorial requiem service for the victims of communism was held on Sunday in the presence of Sofia Regional Governor Stefan Arsov, MPs from various political groups, including Elisaveta Belobradova, Aleksandar Simidchiev, and Ivaylo Mirchev (Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria); Yordanka Fandakova, Daniela Raycheva, Rumen Hristov, and Hristo Gadzhev (GERB-UDF); Stanislav Anastasov, Iskra Mihaylova, and Ismail Osman (Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning), as well as municipal councillors, among them Greti Stefanova, Boyko Dimitrov, and Marta Georgieva (Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria), and Ivan Sotirov (Blue Sofia).

Addressing those gathered to honour the victims, priest Boris Mihail announced the launch of a Church initiative to raise funds for the purchase of church bells, "which can gather people in times of both joy and sorrow". He noted that at this site, where people come every year to commemorate these holy martyrs, it would be fitting for the Church to have its own voice.

Thanks to a Church-led initiative last year, two granite icons were acquired and now adorn the entrance of the chapel. The two icons lend a special beauty and sense of divine presence to this holy shrine dedicated to all Bulgarian martyrs, Boris Mihail said.

Earlier on Sunday, a memorial prayer for the victims was also held by Bishop Ioan of Branitsa at the St Nedelya Cathedral.

National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan wrote on Facebook that February 1 bears a tragic mark in Bulgarian history. "February 1 remains in our history as a crime against the ideal of freedom, a crime against the fundamental human right to defence, and an example of an act rooted in political arrogance and the ruthless elimination of any inconvenient opponent," she added. Nazaryan emphasized that politics should not divide people but unite them, that opponents must be respected rather than persecuted, and, most importantly, that politics exists for the people, not against them.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said, quoted by the Municipality's press centre, that on this day tribute is paid to the people whose lives and dignity were taken away because of their beliefs, faith, and free spirit. “History teaches us what happens when human dignity is ignored – when brave and thinking people are crushed. This must not be repeated. Ever,” he said. According to him, this day is not only a moment of remembrance, but also a clear public stance that freedom is a supreme value, democracy requires courage every single day, and humanity must guide people’s decisions, even when it is difficult.

/RD/