Kostadin Angelov Wins Defamation Suit Against Stoicho Katsarov
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Former director of Alexandrovska Hospital, Kostadin Angelov, has secured a legal victory against former Minister of Health, Stoicho Katsarov, in a defamation lawsuit. Angelov was awarded BGN 50,000 in damages after the court ruled that Katsarov’s claims accusing him of bankrupting the hospital were false and defamatory.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit stemmed from statements made by Stoicho Katsarov alleging mismanagement and financial ruin of Alexandrovska Hospital during Kostadin Angelov’s tenure as executive director from 2013 to 2020. Angelov countered these claims, asserting they were baseless and damaging to his reputation. The Sofia City Court initially found Katsarov’s statements to be false based on a thorough analysis of the presented evidence.
Court Findings
According to the court’s decision, Kostadin Angelov assumed leadership of UMBAL “Alexandrovska” EAD in 2013 amidst existing financial difficulties, with accumulated accounting losses of approximately BGN 30 million. The court determined that Katsarov lacked supporting evidence – either written or oral – to substantiate his accusations of reckless spending or financial mismanagement. The court concluded that Katsarov’s statements were demonstrably false.
Defamation Ruling and Damages
The court found that Katsarov’s public statements created a false impression that Angelov had committed a crime during his time as director, specifically bringing the hospital to financial ruin. This pronouncement was deemed defamatory, damaging Angelov’s honor and reputation. The Court of Appeal – Sofia upheld the initial ruling.
Angelov expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating on Facebook, “Proven slanderers and liars must pay for the damage they cause with their words.” he emphasized that the judgment serves as a deterrent against spreading false and damaging information.
Legal Precedent and Implications
The court’s decision reinforces the legal consequences of defamation and the importance of verifying information before making public accusations. The ruling establishes that false statements, particularly those alleging criminal acts, can result in notable financial penalties.
A full copy of the court decision is available here.
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