In proceedings concerning claims for non-pecuniary damages to an individual arising from a publication, Spasov & Bratanov Law Firm successfully defended its client, a Maltese media company and publisher of an international newsletter. The case represents one of the first successfully concluded SLAPP cases in Bulgaria involving the defense of a media outlet against vicarious liability claims arising from alleged defamation article by a journalist. The proceedings concerned allegations that a publication relating to the activities of an individual in the financial services sector and regulatory investigations had infringed upon his honor, dignity and professional reputation. The claimant sought compensation in the amount of BGN 20,000. The Sofia District Court dismissed the claim in its entirety, finding that the publication did not contain insulting or defamatory statements concerning the claimant. The Sofia City Court subsequently upheld the first-instance judgment, further finding that the information published was based on verified facts and official sources and that the publisher had exercised due diligence in verifying the accuracy of the information prior to publication. The Supreme Court of Cassation refused to admit the claimant’s cassation appeal for consideration, thereby leaving the favorable outcome for the client intact, and also awarded the client’s costs for the cassation proceedings. The lead lawyers in the case were partner Georgi Spasov and associate Diana Gavrilova, who worked closely with Ganado Advocates from Malta, where partner Paul Micallef Grimaud was the main contact for this case.

Date: September 2026

Source: Spasov & Bratanov Law Firm