Case Study - SLAPP in Bulgaria

The main case study for Bulgaria has been chosen because it illustrates the use of proceedings with SLAPP elements over a period of several years (from 2009 to the beginning of 2023) against businessman and media owner, Mr. Ivo Prokopiev.

Various legal manouevres have been used against him: massive tax and administrative inspections, administrative sanctions, civil cases, criminal proceedings against him and/or his business (publishing and other), seizure and confiscation of property for long periods of time, and attacks against journalists working in his media.

Most of these cases were closed with rulings in favor of Mr. Prokopiev and the legal entities in which he is the owner or manager.