Mickoski Must Answer: Is There Room in the Government for Officials Who Glorify War Criminals?
SDSM’s Keti Shterjova demanded political accountability from Ivan Stoilkovic and Dalibor Kitanovic, as well as public action by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski must publicly answer whether there is room in his Government for officials whom SDSM accuses of glorifying or justifying convicted war criminals, SDSM’s Keti Shterjova said.
In her address, Shterjova named Minister Ivan Stoilkovic and Director Dalibor Kitanovic, arguing that their actions were not an isolated incident but part of a policy that, according to the opposition, deepens divisions and increases ethnic tensions in the country.
“Mickoski must say whether there is room in his Government for officials who glorify or justify convicted war criminals, or whether he will hold them politically accountable,” Shterjova said.
She stressed that approving or justifying genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes must not be treated as an ordinary political provocation. In that context, Shterjova cited Articles 407-a and 319 of the Criminal Code, as well as constitutional and legal restrictions on activity that incites hatred and intolerance.
“The law exists, the criminal offence exists, and the competent institution exists. What is the Public Prosecutor’s Office waiting for? A call from Mickoski?” Shterjova asked.
According to her, the Prosecutor’s Office should investigate the allegations concerning the glorification of Ratko Mladic and determine whether criminal responsibility exists. At the same time, she said, political accountability is a direct question for the Prime Minister because Stoilkovic is a member of his Government and Kitanovic heads a state institution.
Shterjova argued that silence from the top of the Government sends a dangerous message: that officials may cross democratic and legal red lines without consequences. That is why, according to SDSM, Mickoski cannot remain an observer and must clearly choose between protecting his own officials and protecting the constitutional order and interethnic peace.
“The Public Prosecutor’s Office must do its job,” Shterjova said, calling for an institutional investigation and an unequivocal political answer from the Prime Minister.
Photo: SDSM / video frame
