NOVA Host Explains Request for Mother’s ID in Petrohan Tragedy Interview

Bulgarian Broadcaster Explains Request for ID During Live Interview Following Petrohan Lodge Deaths

Nikolai Doinov, lead anchor for NOVA television in Bulgaria, provided an on-air explanation regarding a request for identification made to Ralitsa Asenova, the mother of Nikolai Zlatkov, during a live broadcast on February 2nd. The request sparked a wave of reaction on social media.

Doinov addressed viewers at the beginning of “Interview in the News on NOVA,” stating, “Before we begin today’s conversation, allow me to say a few words about yesterday’s interview – with the mother of one of the victims in the horrific story that is topic number one in the country these days. Showing an identity document for a moment shifted the focus from the answers the public is seeking regarding the ‘Petrohan’ tragedy.”

“We owe you the truth,” Doinov continued. “Last night we had a rather difficult broadcast. Together with us, you, the viewers, witnessed in real time the story of a woman who lost her child. During the central broadcast, Ms. Ralitsa Asenova contacted us by phone, telling us that she was the mother of Nikolai Zlatkov, one of the six victims.”

Asenova requested to speak on NOVA, with the sole condition that it happen immediately and live, to ensure her words remained unchanged. Doinov explained that there was no prior public information about her, and the news team had only limited time to verify her identity.

“We were aware of the risk, but we took it precisely because of all the answers we are seeking,” Doinov said. “The events unfolded literally before your eyes in the following minutes. Viewers need to know who stands behind the words they hear on television, especially during a crisis of trust caused by conflicting information.”

He emphasized that it is the media’s responsibility to ensure transparency, and their judges are the viewers. Doinov concluded with condolences to the families of the victims.

Investigation Continues into Petrohan Lodge Deaths

The case surrounding the deaths of three men at a remote lodge near Petrohan Pass in Bulgaria remains under investigation, with authorities cautiously releasing information. The victims have been identified as Decho Vasilev (45), Ivaylo Ivanov (49), and Plamen Stattev (51). They were found with gunshot wounds to the head near the burned lodge on February 2nd.

Investigators recovered firearms and ammunition at the scene, including three pistols and a carbine. The presence of weapons has complicated the investigation, raising questions about who fired them and why. Authorities have stressed that multiple scenarios are still possible while forensic and ballistic work continues.

Bulgaria’s acting prosecutor general described the case as a “mystery,” acknowledging the lack of clear answers. The fire itself is also under suspicion, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Related Developments

Bulgarian media reports that four vehicles were seen traveling towards the Petrohan lodge prior to the incident. A screenwriter commenting on the case suggested the reality of the situation is more unbelievable than fiction.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The burned remains of the lodge serve as a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in the mountains above Petrohan Pass.