Filipche: I regret the lost lives, the Prosecutor's Office found I am not guilty
Filipche said he regrets the lost lives and that the Prosecutor's Office decision cleared him of criminal liability.
Venko Filipche issued a public statement on 21 August 2026 after the Prosecutor's Office announced its decision, saying he is sorry for the lives lost and reiterating that the verdict made clear he bears no criminal responsibility.
In his remarks Filipche directly addressed critics and defended his record as health minister, arguing that saving lives and protecting public health have been his constant priorities. He framed recent attacks against him as politically motivated and continuing despite the legal outcome.
Filipche said: "Mengele, imagine, I who save lives, for whom the health of citizens is my top priority, did not stop. They did not stop even yesterday, after the decision of the Prosecutor's Office; some young members of the criminal group came out and continued it; today the prime minister also at a press conference."
Immediate aftermath
The statement came shortly after prosecutors rendered their conclusion that Filipche bears no guilt in the matter under investigation. Filipche used the opportunity to call attention back to the health system and to express regret for the victims.
He also criticised the tone of the public debate around the case and warned that personal attacks risk diverting attention from ongoing health challenges. The prime minister likewise addressed the issue at a separate press conference the same day.
No new legal steps were announced in Filipche's statement; he urged political actors and citizens to focus on health priorities and on preventing further loss of life.
Photo: press material from the event
