LDP: 15,000 citizens signed petition for electronic ankle bracelets

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) says 15,000 citizens have signed its petition demanding the immediate introduction of electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators of domestic violence, and that public anger over institutional inaction continues to grow.

Party calls for an urgent, shortened parliamentary procedure

In a statement, LDP described the petition as a widening social movement and urged parliamentarians to move the bill through an urgent, shortened procedure. "This is no longer just an initiative; this is a social front that grows daily and clearly tells the rulers — we continue to sign so they know there are many of us," the party said.

LDP criticised the parliamentary majority for remaining silent despite the 15,000 signatures, accusing them of hiding behind procedures while women in North Macedonia live in fear. "Every new signature brings us one step closer to a safer country in which perpetrators will wear an electronic bracelet and victims will receive the protection the state must provide," the party added.

The party also pledged not to stop until the legal amendment is adopted in the Assembly under an expedited procedure, and called on citizens who have not yet signed to join the petition. "Every voice is a voice against violence, and the public pressure is too strong for you to keep ignoring it," LDP said.

The renewed push follows the recent femicide in Bogdanci, where 17-year-old Biljana Kiric — who had previously reported violence and threats to her life — was killed by her partner. Weekend protests sent messages to institutions demanding accountability for any institutional failures, and activists recalled the names of other women and girls who lost their lives as victims of violence: Ramajana, Rosica, Tankica, Ivana, Katja.

In March, the parliamentary majority rejected a similar amendment proposed by several opposition MPs and presented by LDP president Monika Zajkova. LDP says the proposal is an amendment to the existing Law on Prevention and Protection from Violence against Women and the Family, and that it carries no additional financial cost because bracelets from the probation system’s stock at the Ministry of Justice could be reused for implementation.

Photo: press material from the event