Who are we
RIA "DEFECTO" – news as it is. De facto.
The Roma Information Agency "DEFECTO" was established in 2002 and officially registered on December 19, 2003, under the Law for Public Organizations in Bulgaria. It is the only registered Roma information agency in the world – an independent media, created with the mission to give a voice, visibility, and credible information about the Roma community in Bulgaria, Europe, and the world.
For over 20 years of development, the agency has faced serious challenges – including discriminatory treatment, racism, and xenophobia. Despite hardships, RIA "DEFECTO" has managed to suspend and restore its activities four times, maintaining its independence and principle.
The agency publishes an international weekly newspaper "Defacto" in Bulgarian and English, distributed in Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and the USA. It operates electronically and maintains active journalistic, correspondent, and reporting activities.
Over the years, RIA "DEFECTO" has collaborated with national and international media such as BBC, CNN, Reuters, Deutsche Welle, Sky News, Associated Press, as well as with human rights organizations like Amnesty International and the Anti-Defamation League.
Today, RIA "DEFECTO" operates in Bulgaria and the United Kingdom, publishes news, analyses, and comments, organizes live broadcasts, and provides up-to-date information for the Roma community and all interested institutions and media. The agency preserves and promotes Roma history, culture, traditions, and identity.
Our main principles are:
• guaranteed objectivity based on facts
• professional correctness
• respect for freedom of speech
• cooperation with all media
Our motto:
"Presentation of the news as it is. De facto."
Director: Toma Nikolaev
