A bulgarian appellate court has awarded approximately $14,000 USD to former Finance Minister Asen Vassilev in a defamation case against Delian Dobrev, a member of the GERB party, stemming from accusations of corruption leveled against Vassilev on social and customary media [[1]]. While less than the $140,000 USD initially sought, the ruling establishes a precedent for holding political figures accountable for damaging claims and reflects ongoing concerns about the balance between free speech and reputation in Bulgarian public life [[2]], [[3]]. Dobrev could appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Cassation.
Asen Vassilev, a prominent figure in Bulgaria’s political landscape and former finance minister, has won an appeal in a defamation lawsuit against Delian Dobrev, a member of the GERB party. The case centers on accusations of corruption leveled against Vassilev, and the ruling could pave the way for a larger financial claim.
The appellate court awarded Vassilev 25,100 leva (approximately $14,000 USD) in damages, a partial victory as his initial claim sought 250,000 leva (roughly $140,000 USD). Should he win a final ruling, the initial decision will serve as precedent for establishing that his reputation was harmed.
Vassilev alleged that Dobrev defamed him through a series of media appearances, parliamentary statements, and Facebook posts, implying his involvement in corrupt schemes. The lawsuit specifically focused on a Facebook post made by Dobrev.
The post in question read: “The cumulative damage from the short rule of the white-collar fraudsters amounts to tens of billions of leva. These colossal funds for our poor country flowed to the Putin regime and probably Kiril and Asen through accounts in Switzerland, the Netherlands, offshore companies, etc. Simply put, they robbed Bulgaria then, and now they are robbing it two and three times over.”
Dobrev is now responsible for paying the awarded damages, plus interest, dating back to Jan. 7, 2023. He is also required to cover Vassilev’s legal expenses from both court instances, totaling 13,156 leva (approximately $7,300 USD).
Vassilev argued in his claim that the deliberate and persistent spread of these defamatory statements damaged his personal, social, and professional reputation, causing him significant distress. He also reported experiencing physical symptoms, including a racing heart, high blood pressure, headaches, and insomnia.
The initial court ruling dismissed the claim, suggesting that the often-heated rhetoric between governing and opposition parties should be expected. “Even if Vassilev felt offended by the sharp criticism and suffered damages, he should bear those damages as a public figure, without the responsibility falling on the defendant,” the lower court stated.
The appellate court largely agreed that most of Dobrev’s statements were not problematic. However, it found the term “white-collar fraudster” to be offensive, even when expressed in a moment of anger. The court acknowledged that political discourse in Bulgaria often lacks civility.
The court determined that Vassilev was legitimately “affected by the accusations of criminal self-interest in governing the country, benefiting him through receiving commissions in bank accounts in foreign banks or through accounts of offshore companies.”
Judges concluded that the 25,100 leva award was a “fair equivalent for the emotional discomfort of Vassilev, resulting from the accusation of corruption, and this amount should compensate for all damages suffered.” They indicated that pursuing the full 250,000 leva would likely be unsuccessful.
The appellate court’s decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Cassation. The case highlights the challenges of balancing free speech with the protection of reputation in Bulgaria’s political arena.
