Fugitive from justice Iva Mihailova will be tried in absentia, decided the Kochani Court on Thursday, accepting a proposal from the Kochani Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO). The fact that she cannot be reached by state authorities does not prevent the proceedings against her from continuing. The next hearing is scheduled for about 20 days from now.
Officially, following a proposal by the Kochani Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office, a ruling has been issued to try I.M. in absentia. She is charged with serious offenses against the safety of people and property in traffic, and is currently unavailable to state authorities. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Mihailova, who is currently a fugitive, is being tried for her involvement in a fatal traffic accident. According to the indictment, Mihailova was driving a Volkswagen Polo at a speed of 86 km/h on a stretch of road where the speed limit was 60 km/h. The prosecution alleges that the vehicle crossed into the lane for oncoming traffic, where it collided with a Renault Megane Scenic. There were four people inside the Renault. Besim Durmishi from Ljuboten sustained severe injuries and passed away the same day at the Traumatology Clinic in Skopje. The driver of the car was seriously injured, while two other passengers sustained bodily injuries, according to information regarding the charges.
A week ago, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) issued a domestic and international warrant for 23-year-old Iva Mihailova from Kochani, at the request of the Kochani Basic Court, in connection with criminal offenses related to a fatal traffic accident that is currently the subject of court proceedings.