The Bulgarian journalist and philanthropist, Dimitar Panitza, is resigning as Honorary Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS).

In a letter sent to the BAS President, Nikola Sabotinov, Panitza gives notification of his decision, stating as the main reason “the revelations of the strong presence of high-ranking BAS figures that have been connected one way or another with the Communist State Security Services.”

Panitza says that he is disheartened by the events at BAS in the last weeks and months and by the lack of repentance, apology and civic dignity by many from BAS who failed to step back and give chance to young scientists.

John "Dimi" Panitza has worked for Reader's Digest for 40 years. During this time, he reached the position of managing editor of the magazine, which, in addition to the American edition, was publishing editions in some 20 languages around the world, with a total monthly circulation of 30 million copies for more than 100 million readers.

Panitza is also the chairman and founder of the Free and Democratic Bulgaria Foundation, of Junior Achievement-Bulgaria, among the founders of the American University in Bulgaria, honorary member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, a recipient of AUBG's honorary degree Doctor Honoris Causa, and of the highest Bulgarian state medal, Stara Planina First class.