Anti-Albanian chants, including deeply offensive slogans like "Gas chambers for Albanians," marred a basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania in Kumanovo. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, official investigations, and condemnation from political leaders and sports organizations across the region, highlighting persistent ethnic tensions.
Xenophobic Chants Erupt During Basketball Match
During a FIBA World Cup 2027 pre-qualifier match held in Kumanovo, a segment of the crowd directed xenophobic and nationalist chants towards Albanians. The slogans reportedly included "A good Albanian is a dead Albanian," "Gas chambers for Albanians," and "Clean Albania." These chants have been widely condemned as hate speech and a severe blow to inter-ethnic coexistence in North Macedonia, where ethnic Albanians constitute a significant minority.
- Offensive Slogans: Chants included "Gas chambers for Albanians" and "A good Albanian is a dead Albanian."
- Location: Kumanovo, North Macedonia.
- Event: FIBA World Cup 2027 pre-qualifier match between North Macedonia and Romania.
Official Condemnation and Investigations Launched
The incident quickly drew strong reactions from political figures and institutions. North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski condemned the chants, stating that while he was present, he did not notice the specific slogans, attributing them to a "small group of people." The Ministry of Interior confirmed that prosecutors have opened an investigation into potential hate speech offenses. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has also launched its own investigation, unequivocally condemning hate speech and discriminatory language.
Political and International Reactions
Ethnic Albanian political parties within North Macedonia, such as the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), criticized the perceived slow response from authorities, calling it "silent approval" and demanding accountability. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Albanian officials also voiced strong condemnation, emphasizing that such acts undermine the spirit of coexistence and European aspirations. The incident has reignited discussions about ethnic relations and the challenges North Macedonia faces in its EU accession process, particularly concerning historical disputes and identity issues.
Historical Context of Tensions
The chants echo a history of ethnic tensions between Macedonians and Albanians in North Macedonia, which have sometimes escalated into conflict, notably the 2001 armed conflict. The Ohrid Agreement, signed that year, aimed to grant greater rights to the Albanian minority. However, incidents like this highlight the fragility of inter-ethnic harmony and the ongoing need for tolerance and respect.
Sources
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eKathimerini.com, eKathimerini.com. - Racist Chants Mar North Macedonia vs Romania World Cup Qualifier in Kumanovo, Pulse Sports Kenya.
- North Macedonia Investigates After Anti-Albanian Chants At Basketball Match, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- President Osmani reacts after anti-Albanian chants at the North Macedonia-Romania match • KosovaPress, KosovaPress.
- Yavor Chuchkov: The declaration of Efrem Chuchkov as a Macedonian is a disgrace ᐉ News from Fakti.bg –
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