Rayko Aleksiev
Occupationpainter, caricaturist
Birth date7 March 1893
Birth placePazardzhik, Bulgaria
Death date18 November 1944 (aged 51)
Death placeSofia, Bulgariа
Resting placeCentral Sofia Cemetery
Resting place coordinates42°42′52.5″N 023°20′10.1″E

Rayko Nikolov Aleksiev (Bulgarian: Райко Николов Алексиев; 7 March 1893 – 18 November 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 disliked 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.

Honours

Aleksiev Glacier on Nordenskjöld Coast in Graham Land, Antarctica is named after Rayko Aleksiev.[1]

Sources

  1. ^ Aleksiev Glacier. SCAR Composite Antarctic Gazetteer.