55-year-old from Kocani charged with spreading racist and xenophobic hatred on social networks
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that from May to July 2026 he posted six comments through two profiles that promoted hatred and violence.
A 55-year-old resident of Kocani will face charges for posting racist and xenophobic comments on social media that, according to the police, incited hatred and violence.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the Shtip Police Department filed a criminal complaint against V.B. (55) from Kocani. The investigation indicates that in May, June and July 2026 the suspect, through two profiles on social media, posted a total of six comments on four posts that promoted hatred and incited violence.
"Shtip Police Department filed a criminal complaint against V.B. (55) from Kocani on grounds of reasonable suspicion for committing the criminal offense 'dissemination of racist and xenophobic material via a computer system.' In May, June and July 2026, through his two profiles on social media, the suspect posted six comments on four posts, with which he promoted and incited hatred and violence," the Ministry said in a statement.
What the indictment states
The criminal complaint was filed under the provision that penalizes the dissemination of racist and xenophobic messages through a computer system. The police said they identified and obtained the published comments, which were used as evidentiary material.
The Ministry did not provide further details about possible penalties or whether the accused has been detained. After the complaint was filed, the case will proceed through the competent judicial authorities.
The police reiterated that public expression that escalates into incitement to hatred and violence is criminally prosecuted and urged citizens to report content that may constitute hate speech so it can be reviewed.
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