Bulgarian Shop Linked to Far-Right Fashion

A Bellingcat investigation reveals that a Bulgarian streetwear shop in Stara Zagora is linked to the far-right fashion brand Will2Rise (W2R), associated with the white supremacist Active Club movement. The shop, GK Style, is identified as the designer of W2R's merchandise, which promotes far-right ideologies. The investigation highlights the shop's connections with other international far-right entities, including a Canadian fashion brand and a combat sports event organized by the Patriot Front. Despite claims of only providing promotional materials, evidence suggests GK Style's deeper involvement with W2R. The article underscores the role of fashion in spreading extremist ideologies and the transnational nature of these movements.

Saunas and Swastikas: Finland's Summertime Neo-Nazi Meet-Up

In June 2023, Finland's neo-Nazis and international allies held 'White Boy Summer Fest' at a lakeside cabin resort, featuring far-right bands, combat sports, and networking for hate groups. The event, investigated by Bellingcat, took place at Evo Nature Ltd's property, which the owner claimed to be unaware of. The gathering included members from Hammerskins and Blood and Honour, both known for violent neo-Nazi activities. The event also featured combat sports by Veren Laki, linked to the banned Nordic Resistance Movement. Bellingcat volunteers geolocated the event to the Hämeenlinna region, revealing the importance of such in-person venues for far-right radicalization and recruitment.

Geolocating a US Far-Right Fight Night

White nationalists, including those associated with Robert Rundo, organized a far-right fight night event in Muenster, Texas. Bellingcat geolocated the event using photos posted on a Telegram channel. The event was held at Fuhrmann Hall, part of the Heritage Park Events Center. Bellingcat contacted the venue to inquire if they were aware of the nature of the event, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

How A Sailboat Exposed a Dutch Cell of the White Supremacist Active Club Movement

A Dutch affiliate of the white supremacist Active Club movement has been involved in organizing alongside far-right figures and participating in combat training events across Europe. The group, Geuzenbond, has been active in promoting extremist ideologies both online and offline. Investigations revealed connections to international far-right actors and detailed the involvement of individuals in far-right events and activities. Authorities in the Netherlands have been monitoring these groups, highlighting their potential threat. The article underscores the influence of international far-right personalities and the importance of scrutinizing the public and private activities of such groups.

Nazi and White Nationalist Combat Event in Los Angeles

Chapters of a white nationalist network participated in a combat sports event in Los Angeles, organized by the white supremacist brand Will2Rise. The event included groups like Active Clubs, Patriot Front, and Hammerskins, and was geolocated by Bellingcat to a gym in Fountain Valley. The event is part of a broader strategy to recruit and fund far-right activities. The gym's owner, Jeremy Loo, has a history of sharing far-right material online. Experts warn that such events are efforts to mainstream far-right beliefs through combat sports.

From Pittsburgh to Budapest: Hungary To Play Host To (Another) Far-Right Extremist Meetup

Budapest will host two far-right extremist concerts in November, organized by Nordic Sun Records and American Defense Records. The events, featuring bands promoting racism and antisemitism, are linked to international neo-Nazi networks like Blood and Honour and Hammerskins. Travis Condor, a prominent figure in the white power music scene, is involved in the concerts. Authorities and organizations like Europol and the Amadeu Antonio Foundation highlight the dangers of such events as spaces for radicalization and recruitment. The Budapest Metropolitan Police are prepared to take necessary measures if criminal activities are detected.

Bosnia’s Mosques Without Muslims

The article explores the reconstruction of mosques in Bosnia, particularly in Foča, a town heavily affected by the Bosnian War. Despite the rebuilding efforts, the Muslim community remains sparse due to past ethnic cleansing and ongoing economic challenges. The piece highlights the symbolic importance of these reconstructions, the difficulties faced by returnees, and the broader socio-political context, including the Dayton Accords and the sentiments of local leaders. The narrative underscores the enduring impact of the war on Bosnia's cultural and ethnic landscape.

The monumental obsession of Bulgaria’s Russophiles

Nikolai Malinov's National Movement of Russophiles, a cultural organization in Bulgaria, promotes strong ties with Russia through various activities, including erecting monuments and organizing festivals. Despite their efforts, the movement struggles to gain widespread support, particularly among younger Bulgarians. The group has connections with notable Russian figures and organizations, and while they face financial challenges, they continue to receive donations. The movement's influence is seen as a vehicle for spreading pro-Kremlin views in Bulgaria.

An Interview with Bellingcat Journalist Michael Colborne on the Azov Movement in Ukraine

Michael Colborne, a journalist at Bellingcat, discusses his new book on Ukraine's Azov movement and its role within the global far-right landscape. The book, based on extensive open-source research, aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the Azov movement, which is often mischaracterized in media. Colborne explains the movement's evolution, its influence on Ukrainian politics, and its perception by other far-right groups globally. He also touches on the complexities of the far-right ecosystem in Ukraine and its potential for growth amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

How a Canadian city got sucked into Russia’s information war

Edmonton, Canada, has become a target in Russia's global information war, highlighted by a social media campaign from the Russian embassy in Ottawa. The controversy centers around a statue of Roman Shukhevych, a Ukrainian nationalist with Nazi ties, which has stood in Edmonton for nearly 50 years. The Russian embassy's actions are seen as part of a broader effort to discredit Canadians with Ukrainian ties, especially following Canada's recent sanctions on Russian officials and arms sales to Ukraine. The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, the largest outside the former Soviet Union, is divided on Shukhevych's legacy, with older generations defending him and younger ones less connected to his past. The situation underscores the complexities of historical narratives and their exploitation in modern information warfare.