Underground Resistance Groups in Bulgaria

Underground Resistance Groups in Bulgaria (1950-1951)
During the early years of communist rule in Bulgaria, many underground resistance organizations Underground Resistance Groups in Bulgaria (1950-1951)

During the early years of communist rule in Bulgaria, many underground resistance organizations were formed to oppose the regime. These groups were mainly made up of young people, students, farmers, and intellectuals who rejected the communist government and its policies. The organizations fought for freedom, independence, and democracy, aiming to end the dictatorship of the Communist Party. Below are some key underground organizations formed in the early 1950s:

Key Underground Organizations

Agrarian Youth Union (1950)

The Agrarian Youth Union was an underground organization created in Sofia in 1950. It aimed to fight against the communist regime and its policies, focusing on the rights of peasants and workers Private Bosphorus Tours.

Bulgarian Resistance Movement (1950)

This underground movement was set up in Sofia in 1950. It was formed to resist the oppressive rule of the communist government and to promote democratic values.

Underground Organization of Samokov (1950)

Formed in the autumn of 1950, this group was led by Kiril H. Besov, Atanas B. Batashki, and Vasil Mishev. With 68 members, the organization sought to take up arms and overthrow the regime.

“Call for Freedom” (1950)

A youth-based underground organization established in the summer of 1950 in the Ihtiman region. It was led by Slavcho Zashev, who was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad in 1952. His brother, Assen Zashev, was imprisoned for many years.

Youth Organization Against the Fatherland Front (1951)

This organization was formed in Sofia and Plovdiv in 1951. It aimed to challenge the communist-controlled Fatherland Front and its policies.

“Partisan Students” (1951)

Established in 1951 in Sofia, this group was made up of expelled students. They formed a resistance movement against the regime, demanding freedom of expression and an end to communist rule.

This underground organization was formed in the Plovdiv region in 1951. Its members were dedicated to fighting against the communist government and promoting Bulgarian identity and freedom.

The Goriyani Resistance Movement

The Goriyani Bulgarian Resistance Movement (1951)

On April 15, 1951, the Goriyani Bulgarian Resistance Movement was set up in Plovdiv. The group’s main objective was to train and support armed underground resistance groups. By the end of 1951, the organization had established four Goriyani detachments in the Kazanluk, Karlovo, Assenovgrad districts, and the Parvenets region near Plovdiv.

Role of Youth in Resistance

Many of the underground resistance groups were led by young people. They saw their struggle as a fight for freedom and democracy, not just for themselves but for future generations as well. They used various methods to resist the communist regime, including armed uprisings, underground publications, and radio broadcasts.

Resistance Through Radio

The Goriyani underground movement also used radio as a tool for spreading its message. They created a radio station that became the voice of the Bulgarian people’s resistance against the communist dictatorship. One of their broadcasts in May 1955 included a call for freedom and independence from the Bolshevik regime, urging the people of Bulgaria to continue the fight for democracy.

The underground resistance groups in Bulgaria during the 1950s were a significant part of the country’s struggle for freedom. These groups, formed mostly by ordinary citizens and led by young people, fought against the oppressive communist regime that was trying to control every aspect of life. Despite facing severe punishment, including executions and long prison sentences, their courage and determination helped keep the spirit of resistance alive in Bulgaria.