Mickoski skips Civil Court hearing as Ristoska sues VMRO‑DPMNE for defamation
Party lawyer says Mickoski had official obligations; Ristoska highlighted a party statement from October 14 last year.
VMRO‑DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski did not appear before the Civil Court at a hearing where former prosecutor Lenche Ristoska is suing the party for insult and defamation; the session had been expected to include examination of the parties.
The party's lawyer told the court that Mickoski, as the legal representative of the defendant party, had official obligations that prevented his attendance.
Ristoska points to party statement from October
Ristoska said the press release published on October 14 last year, titled "Ristovska — a sad symbol of injustice with state bonuses and an official card in the service of Zaev and Grubi," came from the ruling party, which at the time was involved in the Talir 1 and 2 cases she had led as a prosecutor.
Ruzica Nikolovska, counsel for VMRO‑DPMNE, argued in court that the alleged insults were a private matter and that the press release addressed issues of public interest.
The hearing continued without Mickoski's testimony and the court scheduled further procedural steps in the defamation suit between Ristoska and VMRO‑DPMNE.
Photo: press material from the event
