Mile Lefkov files criminal complaint against Jon Frckoski

Mile Lefkov, a lawmaker from the ruling VMRO-DPMNE, announced in a Facebook video that he has submitted an electronic criminal complaint to the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption against Jon Frckoski, a member of the SDSM executive board, after Frckoski publicly accused him of using drugs and alcohol.

The exchange between the two politicians has been public and increasingly sharp in recent days, with Frckoski earlier alleging links between Lefkov, his party and people involved in drug trafficking.

Complaint asks prosecutors to check several articles of the Criminal Code

In his statement Lefkov said the complaint asks prosecutors to examine whether actions covered by specific articles of the Criminal Code occurred and whether there are grounds to apply provisions on failure to report a crime. He listed the legal articles by number and framed the dispute as more than an online quarrel.

“With the complaint, I ask that the possible existence of actions covered by Articles 215 and 216 of the Criminal Code be investigated, as well as whether there are grounds for applying Article 364, failure to report a criminal offense by you or by your close ones. And for your slanders, Jon. Categorically. I have no weakness either for alcohol or for narcotics. I have never used narcotic substances and that is a fact. And my most important test are my family and my friends. If you think I have committed a criminal offense, come on, report me,” he said in the video.

Lefkov also accused Frckoski and his allies of relying on public smears rather than legal procedures and warned that he expects institutions to take over the matter.

“Jon, there is an essential difference between you and me. I stand publicly and responsibly for my words and actions. And that is precisely what obviously bothers you. You and those few who stood around Filipce have broken yourselves by spitting and slandering, thinking that in this way you will return to power and continue to use drugs in offices. The people will not allow that, Jon, not me. And you, on the other hand, with your actions you compromise yourself. And instead of giving answers, you continue the same. Have you tried? They photographed you. Those are not my words. Those are your words. Therefore, Jon, know that the real challenge are the institutions,” Lefkov said.

Frckoski, in his own Facebook video, repeated his accusations that Lefkov has problems with alcohol and drugs and challenged Lefkov to undergo tests, saying he will take a test himself and publish the results.

“If you don't remember, you need to cut down on drinking. You're old, man, and for other things. Mile, now it's clear to everyone, not only that you have a problem with alcohol, but also with drugs. Not only you, but probably half your gang. Mile, there is no escape from the truth,” Frckoski said.

He added: “I was young, I made mistakes, but at your age it is not appropriate. And because I promised I would go with you, now I promise I'll go alone. So it won't be said that I only talked, knowing that you don't dare because everything shows on a test. I'll get in touch soon, Mile, with the results, the ones you don't dare to take.”

Photo: press material from the event