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Prison ⛓️

Prison Director Resigns, Ex-Official Surrenders Amidst Probes

The director of Shutka prison, Boban Utkovski, has resigned following controversy, and Perparim Bajrami, the former director of the State Lottery who was sought with an international arrest warrant for alleged embezzlement, has surrendered to authorities. These developments unfold amidst ongoing legal probes and public scrutiny over governance.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski clarified that the recent 35th independence anniversary celebrations were funded by socially responsible companies, not the state budget or citizens, addressing public debate on the event's costs. Separately, law enforcement made a significant drug seizure in Skopje, discovering 100 kilograms of cocaine.

Further domestic news includes a debate over the national anthem in Gazi Baba schools, with political parties expressing differing views on symbol equality, and a three-year prison sentence handed down for an individual involved in a building collapse in Veles.

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Government Transparency and Independence Day Costs

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski clarified that the recent 35th independence anniversary celebrations incurred no costs for citizens or the state budget, with expenses covered by socially responsible companies. This statement addresses public speculation and ongoing political debate regarding the funding of the events.

High-Profile Legal Developments

The director of Shutka prison, Boban Utkovski, has resigned following controversy. Separately, Perparim Bajrami, the former director of the State Lottery, has surrendered to authorities after being sought with an international arrest warrant in connection with embezzlement and abuse of official position. Investigations also continue into a murder case, with questions surrounding how the suspect was released from prison.

Crime and Public Safety

Law enforcement has made a significant drug seizure in Skopje, discovering 100 kilograms of cocaine. In other public safety news, 21 individuals were arrested for careless driving, and a three-year prison sentence was handed down to an individual, along with a €25,000 fine for a company, regarding the collapse of a Workers' University building in Veles.

Education and Identity Debates

A debate has arisen concerning the singing of the national anthem in Gazi Baba schools, with the VLEN coalition and the Alliance for Albanians (ASH) expressing divergent views on the matter and the principle of symbol equality in educational institutions.

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