The Court of Appeals in Sofia acquitted the co-chairman of „We Continue the Change“ Kiril Petkov on charges of defamation, made by the leader of „There is such a nation“ Slavi Trifonov. This court decision overturns the previous first instance verdict, which obliged Petkov to pay compensation.
The panel of judges ruled that Kiril Petkov’s statements did not characterize Trifonov’s personality as one who commits “unlawful and morally reprehensible acts”. According to the judgment, the words and expressions used did not refer to the applicant’s personality and constituted admissible criticism of his public activities.
The court rejected Trifonov’s claims and even ordered him to pay Petkov’s costs of 1,000 leva. This decision underlines that the judicial system does not tolerate abuse of the right to defence, especially when public figures are involved. The decision remains open for appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation.
We remind you that in 2024. Petkov was ordered by the Sofia City Court to pay 50,000 leva to Trifonov for insulting qualifications uttered during a briefing of „We Continue the Change“ on 13 June 2022. Now, after the Court of Appeal’s decision, the situation seems to have changed significantly.
The case between Kiril Petkov and Slavi Trifonov highlights the importance of a clear distinction between personal insult and permissible public criticism.
