Skopje, 4 April 2023 (MIA) - The Central Registry deleted Tuesday culture center "Tsar Boris III-Ohrid" after Justice Minister Krenar Lloga signed the decision that bans the association from using the name of the controversial figure.

On March 30, Minister Lloga signed the decision on incompatibility, based on the negative opinion of the Commission on the Use of Names over the name Tsar Boris III in the title of the association for affirmation of the cultural values of Macedonian Bulgarians "Tsar Boris III Ohrid".

The Ministry said it proceeded in line with the provisions of the Law on Associations and Foundations while considering the opinion of the Commission, saying the decision would be forwarded to the Central Registry for further processing.

The Ministry noted that the Commission considered the naming of the association would cause tensions and intolerance across the Macedonian society.

In its elaboration, the Commission said the figure was responsible for crimes committed during the Bulgarian occupation of Macedonia in World War II and the killing of hundreds of citizens, while his collaboration and alliance with the Third Reich, as well as the accentuated antisemitic policy, resulted in the deportation and extermination of thousands of Jews from Macedonia in the Treblinka death camp.

Bulgarian clubs had until February 16 to align with the changes to the Law on Associations and Foundations that was adopted in November 2022.

Association "Ivan Mihajlov-Bitola" was also deleted from the Central Registry a couple of weeks ago.

Photo: MIA print screen