Iva Mihajlova: Extradition dispute and court hearing on November 9

Almost a month after Iva Mihajlova fled to Sofia, discussions between Skopje and Sofia are continuing over how to ensure justice in her case. North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, said that beside bilateral talks with Sofia the country is also consulting European partners.

At the same time, the French ambassador in Skopje, Christophe Le Rigoler, told the TV 24 programme "Europa" that "The most important thing is that justice is satisfied, and if it is determined that Mihajlova is guilty, she must answer before the competent institutions."

The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office has taken the position that any extradition to North Macedonia would be inadmissible, citing Mihajlova's Bulgarian citizenship and her hospitalisation because of a worsened state of health.

Medical status and public information

The last publicly available update from Pirogov Hospital dates to October 16, when hospital officials said the patient was expected to remain under treatment until the start of the following week. Since that statement there has been no confirmed public information about her health or whether she has been discharged.

Defence lawyers have reportedly filed requests with six Bulgarian institutions seeking a declaration that extradition to North Macedonia is inadmissible. In North Macedonia the judicial proceedings are scheduled to continue in her absence: the next hearing is set for November 9, and her defence team has confirmed to TV 24 that they will represent her during the process.

Diplomatic exchanges between Skopje and Sofia continue while European partners call for respect for legal procedures; the final outcome will depend on medical assessments, citizenship law and the decisions of the competent authorities.

Photo: press material from the event