Macedonian PM Accuses Bulgaria of Facilitating Illegal Entry of Dual Citizen Iva Mihailova
Християн Мицкоски accused Bulgarian authorities of the illegal transfer of Iva Mihailova, a woman with dual Bulgarian and Macedonian citizenship. Mičkoski dismissed claims that Mihailova and her Bulgarian lawyer crossed an official border checkpoint as “absolute lies,” asserting she was “illegally transferred” to Bulgaria. Macedonian officials are investigating her departure, with Mičkoski vowing to hold those responsible accountable.
According to Macedonian media, Mičkoski claimed that Bulgarian media reports about Mihailova and her lawyer passing through an official border checkpoint were “complete lies.” He stated that the last time her lawyer entered Bulgaria was on September 28, and that Mihailova’s departure was “illegal.” Macedonian authorities have initiated an investigation into how she left the country, with Mičkoski vowing to “reach the truth” about her transfer.
Extradition Request and Legal Disputes Over Dual Citizenship
Mihailova, hospitalized in Bulgaria, entered the country on October 12, bypassing a court‑imposed travel ban. Her father, Simeon Mihailov, a Bulgarian resident with a criminal record in North Macedonia, is linked to the case. Macedonian officials say he was convicted of attempted murder and association with a criminal purpose, though he disputes the fairness of his trials.
Simeon Mihailov, who has lived in Bulgaria for years, was convicted in North Macedonia for attempted murder and association with a criminal purpose. He claims his convictions were unjust, alleging that his first trial involved allegations of money laundering aimed at seizing his business, and that his second conviction occurred in a trial conducted without his presence and without sufficient evidence.
Bulgarian Officials Sidestep Comments on Extradition Request
Bulgarian authorities have not publicly addressed the extradition request or Mihailova’s presence in the country. A former Bulgarian prime minister, Marin Raykov, stated there is “no danger of forcibly removing” Mihailova, emphasizing that Bulgarian law prohibits such actions without due process. Raykov also highlighted the political sensitivities of the case, comparing it to past incidents involving North Macedonian leaders.
Raykov noted that the situation’s escalation depends largely on the actions of the two countries. He also drew a parallel to the case of former North Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski, who left the country after a verdict was issued. “The development of the tension depends to a large extent on the actions of the countries themselves,” Raykov said.
Regional Tensions Escalate as Macedonia Accuses Bulgaria of Sovereignty Violation
Mičkoski criticized Bulgaria’s handling of the case, accusing its political leadership of using the issue to “demonstrate political muscle” at the expense of bilateral relations. He warned that both Mihailova and her father would face Macedonian justice “sooner or later.”
Mičkoski also expressed frustration with Bulgaria’s approach, stating that instead of returning a person with a final court verdict to serve their sentence, “they make them a star.” He criticized Iva Mihailova for “turning into what is presented in our eastern neighbor,” suggesting she had abandoned her Macedonian roots. “I regret that a young girl who spent most of her life and received her education in her homeland Macedonia decided to become what is presented in our eastern neighbor,” he said.
Legal Analysts Predict Diplomatic Crossroads in Extradition Case
Bulgaria’s response to the extradition request remains unclear, with officials avoiding direct statements.
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