The Bulgarian Peoples’ Court yesterday issued its verdict in the mass-trial of officials of the former pre-fascist regime accused of anti-Jewish persecutions. The chief defendants, Alexander Belev, former Commissar of Jewish Affairs and Kiril Kalkalutchev, his principal assistant – who were tried in absentia since both have disappeared and are believed to be dead – were sentenced to death.
Three other functionaries of the commissariat – whose whereabouts are also unknown – were sentenced to life imprisonment. Yaroslav Kalizan, who, under Belev’s direction, arranged the deportation of thousands of Jews from Macedonia and Thrace, was sentenced to fifteen years as was one of his associated, Borislav Naoumoff. Seventeen other officials and employees of the commissariat received prison terms ranging from ten to one years. Twenty persons, including several of the secretaries of the officials, were acquitted.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
