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Indictment 📝

Indictment Filed in Heritage Demolition, Hague Allegations Emerge

Legal proceedings are advancing in North Macedonia with an indictment filed against former Struga mayor Ramiz Merko and others for the demolition of the Vlado Maleski memorial house, a protected cultural heritage site. Separately, Ljupco Pecov, known as 'The Devil,' received a conditional sentence in the 'Chains' case, including a fine and a five-year ban on managing companies and property.

Politically, discussions have intensified around issues related to the Hague Tribunal, with Member of Parliament Bekim Qoku alleging past dealings between Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), and former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. A parliamentary dispute also erupted, leading to the DUI demanding the resignation of Jeton Shasivari over a controversial statement. Furthermore, the DUI has accused the police academy of ethnic discrimination in candidate selection, drawing a response from Minister of Internal Affairs Panče Toškovski.

In ongoing efforts against illicit activities, a large-scale cigarette smuggling operation has been uncovered, involving 69.35 million smuggled cigarettes and resulting in 21 criminal charges and 13 detentions, with evaded duties exceeding 377 million denars.

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Indictment Issued in Maleski Memorial House Demolition

An indictment has been filed against former Struga mayor Ramiz Merko and five other individuals for the demolition of the Vlado Maleski memorial house, a protected cultural heritage site in Struga. Merko, as the then-mayor, allegedly issued a permit that contravened cultural heritage protection decisions.

Hague Tribunal Allegations Surface Amid Political Discourse

Discussions have intensified around issues related to the Hague Tribunal in North Macedonia. Bekim Qoku, an adviser to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti and a Member of Parliament from North Macedonia, alleged that Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), made a deal with former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski concerning Hague matters. Another politician, Ademi, stated that Ali Ahmeti provided a three-hour interview to the Hague Tribunal.

Parliament Clashes Over Discrimination and Disputed Statements

A dispute erupted in the North Macedonian Parliament, with the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) demanding the resignation of Jeton Shasivari following a reportedly distorted and scandalous statement. Separately, the BDI accused the police academy of ethnic discrimination in candidate selection, prompting a response from Minister of Internal Affairs Panče Toškovski, who dismissed outdated ethnic ideologies.

Massive Cigarette Smuggling Operation Uncovered

A large-scale cigarette smuggling operation has been uncovered, involving 69.35 million smuggled cigarettes across seven cases, resulting in over 377 million denars in evaded duties. Authorities have criminally charged 21 individuals, with 13 detained after searches at 23 locations.

Conditional Sentence for Ljupco Pecov in "Chains" Case

Ljupco Pecov, also known as "The Devil," has received a conditional sentence in the "Chains" case. The sentence includes a fine and a five-year ban on managing companies and property. The legal entity DUTUD A.K.A.P. DOOEL, currently in bankruptcy, was also fined one million denars.

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