Cabinet officials paid respects at the site of the Belene forced labor camp on Monday, marking the 77th anniversary of its establishment, according to the Environment Ministry’s press center. Tributes were offered at the location, known as the Second Site on Persin Island, an event organized by caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov and caretaker Environment Minister Julian Popov. The ceremony was attended by several other high-ranking government figures, including caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev, caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski, Chef de Cabinet Rumiana Bachvarova, regional administration representatives from Pleven, and leadership from Belene Municipality.
The Belene camp, which opened on April 27, 1949, was historically significant as the largest and longest operational facility for interning opponents of the communist regime in Bulgaria, remaining active intermittently until 1987. During the service, the attending members emphasized that preserving historical memory requires a unified institutional effort. Officials noted that procedures are currently advancing to declare the Belene camp an immovable cultural asset of national significance.
The stated objective is to ensure the site is preserved as a dedicated space for remembrance and education, while also integrating it thoughtfully into the natural surroundings of Persin Island. The participation of various ministers and members highlighted a collective commitment to acknowledging the site’s history and ensuring its future role in Bulgarian memory.
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It is vital that these historical sites are remembered to prevent future injustices.
What is the current status of the Belene forced labor camp site?