Inspection finds no failings in Gevgelija Centre for Social Work after death of 17-year-old Biljana Kirić

An extraordinary inspection at the Centre for Social Work in Gevgelija found no shortcomings in the institution's handling of the case of 17-year-old Biljana Kirić from Bogdanci, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy announced. The review followed the death of the minor.

Inspection and measures

The ministry said the Centre received notification from the Ministry of Interior (MVR) on 2 October about an incident that had taken place on 30 September. The same day the girls father was contacted and a meeting at the Centre was scheduled for 5 October. During that meeting staff interviewed both the father and Biljana and took statements on record; the father gave his consent for further protective procedures.

On the following day the Centre summoned the 21-year-old Viktor and informed him of the consequences of committing violence. After a risk assessment, the Centre immediately requested the competent court to impose temporary protective measures. The request sought "a ban on threats, harassment, intimidation and contacting the girl, as well as a ban on approaching to a distance less than 100 metres," the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy said.

On 16 October the court issued a ruling imposing the requested measures for a period of six months. Both the ministry and the Ministry of Interior reported that there were no reports of those measures being violated after they were issued.

Despite the inspections conclusion, public dissatisfaction has not subsided. Protests in Bogdanci and later in Skopje have continued, with citizens demanding a full clarification of the case, verification of any institutional failures and accountability from responsible parties.

Authorities and the public are awaiting the results of the autopsy, which are expected to provide additional answers about the circumstances and causes of Biljana Kirićs death.

Photo: press material from the event