Position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
08 June 2026 News
In connection with the report broadcastеа by the Bulgarian National Television concerning the incident involving the Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihailova near the town of Kočani, Republic of North Macedonia, we would like to clarify the following:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed of the incident involving the Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihailova after she sought assistance from the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Skopje at the end of March 2026.
Through the diplomatic mission, the necessary steps were taken to establish the facts of the case. On this basis, and under the legal assistance programme for the Bulgarian community, the services of one of the most highly regarded lawyers in North Macedonia were provided free of charge, thereby supporting efforts to secure a full and effective legal defence for Mrs Mihailova.
The necessary arrangements were made for the documentation relating to Mrs Mihailova's medical examinations to be transferred to Sofia and reviewed by a leading Bulgarian medical institution. With the assistance of the Ministry of Health, the document required for submission to the court in North Macedonia was issued, confirming the need for Mrs Mihailova to undergo medical treatment and the possibility of such treatment being provided in Bulgaria.
A review of the documentation available in the case raises questions regarding the extent to which all relevant facts and circumstances were examined and assessed during the proceedings, including information and witness testimony that could refute or call into question the prosecution’s case.
At the same time, the Court in Kočani imposed the least restrictive preventive measure on Mrs Mihailova and, in its refusals thus far to amend that measure, has indirectly indicated what documentation would be required in order to reconsider its decision. A new application is due to be submitted to the court, accompanied by the documentation provided by the Bulgarian side, and we expect it to be examined as a matter of priority.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor developments in the case and, within the scope of its competences, provide Mrs Mihailova with the necessary assistance and support.