Rayko Aleksiev
| Rayko Aleksiev | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
March 7, 1893 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria |
| Died |
November 18, 1944 (aged 51) Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Nationality | Bulgarian |
| Occupation | painter, caricaturist |
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.[1]