Milena Malinova, a long-time friend of one of the victims in the "Petrohan" case - Ivaylo Ivanov, spoke on the air of "Hello, Bulgaria" on Nova TV about his personality and his choice to live in the mountains. She expressed categorical disagreement with some of the versions that are being discussed in the public space after the tragedy.
Who was Ivaylo Ivanov
Malinova has known Ivanov since his school and university years. She described him as a "multifacetedly developed person" with a "rich general culture". In her words, he had a "very good career" as a lawyer, but at a certain point his heart won out and he decided to do the things he loves - nature and the mountains. “He lived in America, he lived in Japan, he lived in Mexico”, she explained, adding that Ivanov was a person who could be relied on 100%
As an ecologist by training, Malinova said she understands the conflict between “people who want to take what they can from the forest and those who want to protect it”. She is convinced that Ivaylo Ivanov and his companions wanted to protect the forest “with heart and soul”.
Regarding the version of a “closed society with elements of a sect”, the girlfriend of the murdered man was categorical: “Knowing Ivaylo, I cannot imagine that he would participate in some hierarchical group”. She also described as “complete absurdity” the allegations of a “pedophile thread”.
Milena Malinova said that after her emotional post on social networks, many people contacted her, including the mother of one of the boys. Malinova also cited another girl who was at the hut and shared that it was “very nice” there and they had a good time.