Iva Mihailova trial sparks diplomatic tension between Bulgaria and North Macedonia

Iva Mihailova North Macedonia Bulgaria traffic accident trial diplomatic tension

The criminal trial of Iva Mihailova, a dual Bulgarian and North Macedonian citizen, has escalated into a diplomatic dispute between Sofia and Skopje. Mihailova is accused of serious traffic safety offenses following a fatal accident in October 2025 near Štip, in which one person died and several others, including Mihailova, were injured.

Recent court proceedings in Kočani have seen the denial of Mihailova's request to return her identity documents to travel to Bulgaria for urgent medical treatment for spinal injuries. The Basic Court in Kočani and the Appeals Court in Štip both upheld these denials, citing a lack of sufficient medical consensus that the treatment could not be provided within North Macedonia. Mihailova has stated her physical condition is deteriorating daily.

The case has drawn significant political attention, with Bulgarian MPs from several parties attending hearings and protests held in Sofia. Bulgarian President Iliana Jotova has indicated she will raise the matter with the Council of Europe. Meanwhile, Mihailova's father, Simeon Mihaylov, has alleged the prosecution is politically motivated due to her Bulgarian identity. Separately, North Macedonian authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Simeon Mihaylov, who is accused of attempted murder and organized crime.

Entities

Antonio Gigov · Basic Court Kočani · Basic Court Kumanovo · Basic Court in Kočani · Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Iliana Jotova · Iva Mihailova · Iva Mihaylova · Kochani Court · Kočani Basic Court · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria · North Macedonia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The accident resulted in one death and several injuries, including to Mihailova. panoptikum.mk · skopje1.mk · libertas.mk · press24.mk · sitel.com.mk · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Bulgarian President Iliana Jotova announced she would raise the issue with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. skopje1.mk · libertas.mk · press24.mk
[DISPUTED] The Appeals Court in Štip upheld the decision to deny the request for medical treatment abroad. panoptikum.mk · skopje1.mk · libertas.mk · press24.mk · sitel.com.mk · +1 more
[DISPUTED] The Basic Court in Kočani denied Mihailova's request to return her identity documents for medical treatment in Bulgaria. panoptikum.mk · skopje1.mk · libertas.mk · press24.mk · sitel.com.mk · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Bulgarian MPs from GERB, Progressive Bulgaria, and Democratic Bulgaria attended the court hearing. skopje1.mk · libertas.mk · press24.mk · panoptikum.mk · europeanwesternbalkans.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The trial is scheduled to continue on September 28. tribuna.mk
[● 7 SOURCES] Iva Mihailova is accused of serious crimes against traffic safety following an accident in October 2025. panoptikum.mk · skopje1.mk · libertas.mk · press24.mk · sitel.com.mk · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Expert Zoran Joševski stated that Mihailova's vehicle entered the oncoming lane by approximately 90 centimeters. tribuna.mk