Italian media report neo-Nazi group attack against Jewish youths in a Sofia hotel

The incident in Sofia

A group of young neo-Nazis attempted to forcibly enter a hotel in Sofia on August 2, where Italian Jewish youths from Rome and Milan were staying, along with their teachers. According to information distributed by leading Italian media outlets such as ANSA, RAI News, Sky TG24, and Corriere della Sera, the attackers blocked access to the building and returned following police intervention.

Published footage of the incident shows youths dressed in black chanting Nazi salutes. The Italian press is describing the event as a "heavy act of antisemitism in the heart of Europe."

Reactions from Italy

The incident triggered an immediate diplomatic reaction. Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, expressed solidarity with those affected and condemned the act as a form of hate and discrimination that must be eradicated.

Senate President Ignazio La Russa also described what happened as a "very serious episode" and expressed hope that the competent authorities would establish the responsible parties. Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish Community in Rome, called the attack a "shameful provocation" and urged Bulgarian authorities to clarify the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Union of Italian Jewish Communities added that such incidents are recurring with "increasingly alarming frequency" and emphasized the need to guarantee the security of Jewish communities in Europe.

Investigation by Bulgarian authorities

The Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs (SDVR) confirmed that it has self-initiated and started an investigation into the case following the dissemination of information in the media. SDVR clarified that, at this moment, no official report regarding the incident has been received.

The police state that all necessary actions have been taken to establish the facts and identify the individuals involved in the attack.