Ivan Demerdzhiev: Protection for Iva Mihailova will be provided if needed
Bulgaria says it will investigate Mihailova’s arrival at Pirogov and provide protection if necessary; Skopje criticises Sofia’s actions.
On October 12, 2026, Bulgaria's Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said that protection will be provided to Iva Mihailova if she needs it. Mihailova is receiving care at Pirogov Hospital in Sofia after leaving North Macedonia on October 11, 2026.
Demerdzhiev outlined the next procedural steps and the possibility of security measures, saying: "I have been informed that she and her lawyer are at Pirogov. Steps will be taken to question her and to determine when, where and how she crossed the border. We will also examine all other circumstances, including whether they need security, and if such need exists, protection will be provided," Demerdzhiev said.
Official reaction from Skopje
The Government of North Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade issued a sharp response to Sofia's handling of the case, warning that the conduct of Bulgarian state institutions undermines efforts to build mutual trust and runs counter to declared commitments to develop good-neighbourly relations.
Authorities in North Macedonia have charged Mihailova in relation to a traffic accident that resulted in fatalities. Her sudden departure to Bulgaria and the public reception she received in Sofia have escalated diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Demerdzhiev said Bulgarian services will take steps to interview Mihailova and clarify the circumstances of her border crossing, and that any assessment of security needs will be acted upon. The developments add pressure on bilateral channels to provide factual clarifications and reduce the political fallout.
Photo: press material from the event
