Bazovica commemorates 96th anniversary of anti-fascist executions

A memorial ceremony is being held in Bazovica near Trieste to commemorate the 96th anniversary of the execution of four anti-fascist resistance fighters: Ferdo Bidovec, Zvonimir Miloš, Franjo Marušič, and Alojz Valenčič. The men were members of the secret anti-fascist organization Borba and were executed on September 6, 1930, following a verdict by a special fascist court.

This year’s commemorations specifically focus on Alojz Valenčič, the eldest of the four. In anticipation of the centenary of the first Trieste trial, the Committee for the Celebration of the Bazovica Heroes has introduced a new initiative to highlight one specific hero during each annual main ceremony leading up to 2030.

The event includes participation from various officials, including Helena Jaklitsch, State Secretary for Slovenes in the borderlands and abroad, as well as Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and Bishop Henrik Trevisi. The committee also aims to increase engagement with secondary schools in the Trieste and Gorizia regions.