Quick Facts
Biography
Rayko Nikolov Aleksiev (Bulgarian: Райко Николов Алексиев) (March 7, 1893 – November 18, 1944) was a Bulgarian painter, caricaturist, and writer of feuilletons. He established Shturets, a hugely successful satirical newspaper, in 1932.
Known for his uncompromising satire, Aleksiev was especially unloved by Bulgarian communists due to his famous caricatures of Joseph Stalin. After the Bulgarian coup d'état of 1944 he was, like many other intellectuals, arrested by the newly formed people's militia. While under arrest, he was severely beaten over the course of several days. He died from his wounds. Aleksiev was posthumously sentenced to death by the People's Court.
The main source for the facts of the end of his life are the memories of his widow, as described by Bulgarian writer Ivayla Aleksandrova in her documentary novel Hot Red. Detailed information can be found on the Bulgarian Wikipedia discussion page.
Honours
Aleksiev Glacier on Nordenskjöld Coast in Graham Land, Antarctica is named after Rayko Aleksiev.
Caricature Gallery
Greece, Serbia and Romania devouring Dobruja, Macedonia and the Western Outlands.
Mussolini enters the Balkans.
Bulgarian Amnesty of 1919.
Treaty of Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine
Bulgarian Amnesty of 1919.
Italy, Germany, Great Britain and the Soviet Union contest the Balkans (1939)
