The Sofia City Court (SCC) sentenced Kristian Nikolov, who is on trial for the death of journalist Milen Tsvetkov, to 9 years in prison. The court also banned him from driving for 10 years, and he must pay 40,000 leva in costs.

Nikolov is accused of causing Tsvetkov's death with possible intent after using three types of drugs and speeding drastically. For this charge, the Penal Code provides for a minimum of 15 years in prison, and the most severe penalty is life imprisonment.

However, the court did not find the charge of premeditation proven and this resulted in the lesser penalty.

Nikolov caused the death of Milen Tsvetkov on Easter in 2020 after he drove his vehicle into the journalist's car at a red traffic light in Sofia at nearly 100 km/h and after using amphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.