Criminal charges filed after brutal beating in Gostivar

Two minors and a 20-year-old man from the Skopje-area village of Bojane have been charged after a violent beating of a young man in Gostivar that was recorded and circulated on social media, sparking public outrage.

Authorities file charges after video of attack spreads online

The Ministry of Interior says the External Office for Criminal Investigations in Gostivar filed criminal charges against two minors from Gostivar and V.D. (20) from the village of Bojane, on grounds of suspicion for the criminal offense of "violence." According to the ministry, on 02.08.2026 in Gostivar, following an earlier argument, the accused physically attacked A.V. (22) from Gostivar and L.E. (18) from the village of Dolna Banjica, using hard objects.

Police reports state the minors were immediately secured and questioned at a police station. V.D. was detained at the Gostivar Police Station on 04.08.2026 after being previously deprived of liberty by the Unit for Intervention Police at the Skopje Regional Police Directorate, the ministry added.

Local residents and social media users reacted strongly after video footage of the incident appeared online. The recording prompted calls for a swift police response and for the prosecution to move quickly on the charges.

Investigators say the case remains open while they continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses. The authorities have not yet released further details about the possible motives or the current medical condition of the victims.

Separately, officials noted that a new counter has been opened at the Blato border crossing, an administrative step that has been reported alongside the police statement.

Photo: chitatel na