President Yotova discusses Iva Mihaylova case with Council of Europe

Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova met with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset to discuss the case of Iva Mihaylova, a woman holding both Bulgarian and North Macedonian citizenship. Mihaylova has been denied medical treatment in Bulgaria due to an ongoing legal proceeding against her in Kochani, North Macedonia. Yotova described the situation as a “precedent for the trampling of human rights” and emphasized that while Bulgaria does not intend to interfere in North Macedonia’s judicial system, Mihaylova must be granted access to necessary medical care.

Bulgaria has reportedly offered to treat Mihaylova in Bulgaria or send a medical team to North Macedonia for consultation, but these proposals were rejected by Skopje. Berset noted that while the Council of Europe does not typically handle individual cases, he will examine this matter as it may reflect broader patterns in human rights protection.

Additionally, the Council of Europe acknowledged Bulgaria’s progress regarding the “OIMO Ilinden v. Bulgaria” case from 2006, noting improvements in guaranteeing the right to freedom of association. Berset expressed hope that monitoring of this case could conclude by March of next year.