Plovdiv court to rule on detention of ‘Blood and Honor’ members

The Plovdiv District Court is set to rule on August 25 regarding the detention measures for three members of the local branch of the neo-Nazi organization ‘Blood and Honor’. The hearing follows appeals from the defendants and a formal protest from the Plovdiv District Prosecutor's Office.

The suspects include 42-year-old Ivaylo Kolev, identified as the leader of the local group, and father and son Ivelin Velev (39) and Teodor Velev (18). While Kolev remains in custody, a lower court previously released Ivelin Velev on a 1,000 euro bail and Teodor Velev on a 700 euro bail. The prosecution is now seeking pre-trial detention for all three.

The investigation stems from a joint operation by the Ministry of Interior and the State Agency for National Security (SANS) at a private club in Plovdiv used as a headquarters. During the raid, authorities seized Nazi symbols, swastikas, and neo-Nazi literature.

Charges include inciting discrimination, hatred, and violence. Specifically, prosecutors allege that Kolev incited racial hatred in Teodor Velev, which allegedly led to an assault on Nepalese citizens. While the suspects are linked to the group, investigators have not yet established a direct connection between the organization and a separate murder case in the Youth Hill area, though acquaintanceship between some individuals has been noted.