Border Police Director Denies Border Crossing Record for Iva Mihailova
Anton Zlatanov, director of the General Directorate Border Police, announced that border control systems show no record of Iva Mihailova crossing any border checkpoint between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Speaking to NOVA television, Zlatanov stated that Bulgarian border authorities committed no violations regarding her entry into the country for treatment at Pirogov hospital in Sofia, according to Mediapool.bg.
The case has sparked friction between Sofia and Skopje. North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski asserted in an interview with TV 21 that Mihailova and her attorney, Nikolai Dimitrov, crossed the border illegally, as reported by bTV Новините. Mickoski criticized Bulgaria for allegedly becoming a safe haven for convicted criminals and announced plans to raise the issue during upcoming meetings with NATO and the European Union. Mihailova holds dual North Macedonian and Bulgarian citizenship and faces an international arrest warrant and extradition request from North Macedonia following a fatal traffic collision in Kočani.
Former Caretaker Prime Minister Dismisses Extradition and Red Notice Concerns
Marin Rajkov stated that Bulgarian authorities will not forcibly remove Mihailova from Sofia using an Interpol red notice, according to News.bg. Rajkov, who served as caretaker prime minister from March to May 2013 under President Rosen Plevnelev, compared the situation to former North Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski leaving his country after receiving a prison sentence. Rajkov maintained that Mihailova faces political motives and was denied access to justice and medical treatment in North Macedonia, earning the sympathy of the public in both countries.
Black Sea Ship Rescue and Maritime Security Measures
Zlatanov also detailed a maritime rescue operation involving 15 sailors evacuated from the damaged ship Chelsea 3 in the Black Sea amid severe weather conditions. Wave heights escalated from 2 to 4 baly within two hours, reaching the operational limit for safe extraction. Zlatanov noted that protecting the lives of personnel remains the top priority, recalling a fatal accident involving a border policeman during flood rescue operations on the southern Black Sea coast a year prior. He dismissed claims of unauthorized access to the disabled vessel, confirming that only Bulgarian border authorities, transport ministry officials, and navy personnel boarded the ship to prepare it for safe towing to the port of Burgas. In a separate incident involving a second vessel, Chelsea 2, authorities rescued five sailors who leaped into the water before their ship sank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Iva Mihailova cross a legal border checkpoint into Bulgaria?
Border Police Director Anton Zlatanov stated that official checks of the border control system revealed no record of Mihailova passing through any border checkpoint between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski contends that she and her attorney entered the country illegally.
What legal steps have North Macedonian authorities taken against Iva Mihailova?
The Basic Court in Kočani issued an arrest warrant after Mihailova traveled to Bulgaria, prompting North Macedonian authorities to issue national and international search warrants. Skopje submitted an extradition request through Interpol Skopje.
How has the Bulgarian government responded to the extradition request?
Bulgaria confirmed receipt of the extradition request from North Macedonia. Officials indicated that the country typically exercises its right to refuse the extradition of its own citizens.
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