North Macedonia is currently navigating a complex period marked by significant internal challenges. Recent events highlight tensions surrounding ethnic relations, a landmark achievement in resolving statelessness, and ongoing issues within the judiciary. These developments underscore the country’s efforts to foster stability and address long-standing societal and legal matters.
Key Takeaways
- Anti-Albanian hate speech at a basketball game has sparked outrage and investigations.
- The nation has successfully ended statelessness stemming from the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
- A judge sanctioned by the US for corruption has been dismissed.
Rising Tensions Amidst Sporting Events
Prosecutors in Kumanovo have launched an investigation into potential hate speech offenses following nationalist and anti-Albanian chants at a basketball match. Chants such as "A good Albanian is a dead Albanian" and "Gas chambers for Albanians" were reportedly heard during a World Cup pre-qualification game. The incident has drawn condemnation from government officials, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who, despite attending the game, claimed not to have noticed the chants, attributing them to a "small group." The Sports Ministry has pledged to assist in identifying and sanctioning those responsible. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is also conducting its own investigation. These events have reignited concerns about ethnic relations in a country where ethnic Albanians constitute nearly a quarter of the population, and have elicited strong reactions from Kosovo and Albania.
Landmark Achievement in Ending Statelessness
In a significant human rights victory, North Macedonia has become the first country in the region to resolve all known cases of statelessness resulting from the dissolution of SFR Yugoslavia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Parliament have granted citizenship to the final 317 individuals who had lived in legal limbo since the country’s independence. This milestone concludes a 34-year process, supported by UNHCR, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. Since 2001, nearly 20,000 stateless individuals have acquired citizenship. The government has also reinforced birth registration laws to prevent future statelessness, with efforts underway to address remaining cases, particularly among the Roma community.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny
The Judicial Council has dismissed Judge Enver Bexheti following sanctions imposed by the United States for alleged involvement in significant corruption. Bexheti was accused of accepting bribes to undermine judicial processes related to the case of Saso Mijalkov, former head of North Macedonia’s secret police. An investigative commission found that Bexheti had significantly delayed the Mijalkov case, potentially allowing it to expire under the statute of limitations. Bexheti defended himself by stating that the US blacklist is not legally binding and cited challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic for the delays. Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi, also sanctioned by the US for similar reasons, remains at large, with an active arrest warrant issued in an unrelated embezzlement case.
Sources
- North Macedonia Investigates After Anti-Albanian Chants At Basketball Match, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- North Macedonia ends statelessness caused by Yugoslavia’s dissolution, UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency.
- North Macedonia Dismisses Judge Blacklisted by US, Balkan Insight.