Trial continues in Tetovo over alleged abuses in theatre and library construction
Two court-ordered expert witnesses for the economic and construction aspects presented findings; next session on December 4, 2026.
The trial at the Basic Court in Tetovo over alleged irregularities in the construction of the new theatre and library continued on Monday with two court-ordered expert witnesses giving testimony on economic and construction matters.
Experts stand by their reports
Economic expert Natasha Lazova told the court she remains committed to the findings in her supervisory report, and explained the contested 19% increase in procurement amounts. She said that the rise did not exceed the legal ceiling set by the Public Procurement Law, which is 30%.
On the issue of VAT evasion, Lazova said that the 149 million denars in value‑added tax should have been recorded by the investor rather than paid, because the building is state property. She added that the investor paid the tax only two years later after the Public Revenue Office (UJP) ordered the payment following an inspection.
Construction expert Gena Stojanovska presented her supervisory findings about changes made to the original building plans for the Tetovo theatre and library. She told the court that, due to lack of funds, the Government requested a revision that resulted in the removal of two underground levels and one rooftop level from the original design.
On the defendants' bench in Tetovo are: Sejdi Shashivari, owner and manager of the Tetovo company Urban Plan Construction; the company itself listed as a separate defendant; Haki Fazliu, who was then director of the Iljo Anteski‑Smok Cultural Centre in Tetovo; Artan Arslani, former chair of the Public Procurement Commission and later acting director of the Cultural Centre; and Bajram Mucha, who served as the chief supervisory engineer for the contractor between 2015 and 2020.
According to the indictment, Shashivari (first defendant) and the company (second defendant) are charged with abuse in the public procurement procedure; Fazliu and Arslani are charged with abuse of official position and authority; and Bajram Mucha is charged with negligent performance of official duties. The court set the next session — when the prosecution and defence will present closing arguments — for December 4, 2026.
Photo: SDK.MK)
