30-Day Detention Ordered for Suspects in Gostivar Water Poisoning Scandal
The director of the public utility company and two managers have been sent to "Shutka" prison on suspicion of deliberately pumping wastewater into the city's water supply.
The three main suspects involved in the massive contamination of drinking water in Gostivar will spend 30 days in detention, the Basic Court in the city has ruled. The measure, requested by the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office, will be served at the "Skopje Prison" penitentiary, widely known as "Shutka".
Pre-trial judge Dragoslava Veselinova fully accepted the prosecution's proposal. The director of the Gostivar public utility company, Artana Asani, along with two managers, Leon Nuredini and Vadedin Dervishi, have been placed behind bars.
Serious Charges for Endangering Public Health
An investigation has been launched against the three officials for the criminal offense of "Serious crimes against the environment and nature". According to the prosecution's evidence, they are suspected of deliberately installing pumps in a wastewater basin. This contaminated water then flowed directly into the city's water supply, resulting in the poisoning of thousands of citizens with dangerous fecal bacteria.
The court justified its detention decision citing the severity of the committed crime and the high prison sentence the suspects face. If found guilty, the law prescribes a minimum sentence of four years in prison.
An additional argument for imposing the strictest measure to ensure presence is the real danger of flight. The court assessed that if the suspects were to defend themselves from freedom, there is a high risk they might attempt to influence witnesses who are yet to testify during the investigative procedure.
