Rayko Aleksiev

Born(1893-03-07)7 March 1893

Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

Died18 November 1944(1944-11-18) (aged 51)

Sofia, Bulgariа

Resting placeCentral Sofia Cemetery
42°42′52.5″N 023°20′10.1″E / 42.714583°N 23.336139°E / 42.714583; 23.336139

Occupationspainter, caricaturist

Rayko Aleksiev
Born	(1893-03-07)7 March 1893 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
Died	18 November 1944(1944-11-18) (aged 51) Sofia, Bulgariа
Resting place	Central Sofia Cemetery 42°42′52.5″N 023°20′10.1″E / 42.714583°N 23.336139°E / 42.714583; 23.336139
Occupations	painter, caricaturist

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.