Petkov, Nicolai (1889-1947)

Bulgarian politician. He was one of the founders of the Fatherland Front, signing the Moscow armistice which brought Bulgaria into the World War II on the side of the Allies in September 1944. When the Fatherland Front was formed, Petkov became deputy premier, but resigned in August 1945 and went into opposition, thus incurring the enmity of the communists, who had previously been his colleagues. He was arrested in June 1947 and charged with complicity in a military conspiracy, which he strenuously denied. The trial led to protests by Britain and the USA, but Petkov was sentenced to death and executed. He was born near Sofia, Bulgaria.