Dimitrovgrad rally supports local figure against 'anti-Serbian' accusations

More than 200 citizens gathered in Dimitrovgrad, a town in southern Serbia known for its mixed Serbian and Bulgarian population, to support Aleksandar Vasov. The rally was organized in response to a recent column by Nebojša Bakarec, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

Activists claim Bakarec's column "targeted" Vasov with "terrible slander." According to activist Sergej Ivanov, Vasov is being falsely accused of wanting to secede Dimitrovgrad from Serbia, leading an "anti-Serbian project," and using his farm for subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the state. Ivanov stated that these accusations are unacceptable and could create divisions within the community.

Ivanov stressed the town's long history of coexistence between Serbs and Bulgarians, highlighting that such rhetoric from Belgrade is dangerous and unnecessary. "We simply cannot allow this, because this can cause division among people," he said, adding, "We have been living in harmony here, and we really don't need someone from Belgrade to rub salt in our old wounds."

The rally aimed to send a clear message to the authorities that the residents will not tolerate divisions between Serbs and Bulgarians in Dimitrovgrad. They also issued a warning, stating that those playing with such divisions are "playing dangerously." The supporters firmly rejected the notion of an "anti-Serbian project" led by Vasov, asserting that there is no nationalism within the town and that they live in accord. They believe the government's aim is to distract the public with such divisions and to disqualify a student list.