Repeated Arrests and No Convictions: Orlin Gigov Murdered his Ukrainian Girlfriend and the State Did Nothing

Orlin Gigov, known for multiple arrests related to violence against women, has been implicated, in the fatal beating of his girlfriend, Ukrainian citizen Silvia Kirkova.

The incident marks a tragic escalation following Gigov's earlier arrest and charges in 2023 for assaulting Silvia (as we reported here), leaving her abandoned outside his "Hadji Dimitar" apartment in a vulnerable state. Recently, the couple resided together in another apartment in Sofia's "Krasno Selo" district.

On June 20, 2024, OFFNews wrote that Gigov and his mother reported Silvia's murder, leading to Gigov's subsequent arrest and current custody. Formerly employed as a driver at the Ministry of Interior Hospital in Sofia, Gigov's history of violent offenses had previously been highlighted by Offnews, who initially reported Silvia's 2023 assault.

Reports indicate that the murder occurred amid another altercation fueled by alcohol between Gigov and Silvia. Silvia sustained severe head injuries, with Gigov also reported to have suffered "multiple injuries."

Despite multiple arrests and legal proceedings, Gigov had not faced effective convictions in any case. Following a suspended sentence for domestic violence, Gigov was rearrested in March 2023 at a Sofia hotel, charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest while Silvia was again found in his presence.

In 2023, several women and their relatives came forward to warn about Gigov's dangerous behavior. Some victims recounted threats of violence and abuse, with one victim recalling being thrown onto the streets in Kovachevtsi.

Reflecting on the urgent need for judicial reform and better support for domestic violence victims, one anonymous victim shared her frustration with Nova TV,...