Prisoner escapes during trial break in Strumica while still handcuffed
Man pushed an escorting officer and fled the Basic Criminal Court in Strumica while still handcuffed; Štip Prison director says a commission will investigate possible failings.
A prisoner from Štip Prison escaped on 17 August 2026 during a recess at the Basic Criminal Court in Strumica while still handcuffed, police said. The authorities launched a search after the detainee pushed one of the officers escorting him and ran off.
According to court sources, the man had been brought to the hearing by two prison police officers. During the scheduled pause he asked to use the toilet; when he came out he shoved one of the officers and fled the building while his hands remained handcuffed.
The escape was confirmed by the director of Štip Prison, Dejan Zdravkov. He said the prison followed legal procedures but acknowledged a lapse and that he had immediately informed the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor's Office.
"From our side all legal procedures were observed, but a lapse occurred. I immediately notified the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor's Office about the case, and any shortcomings by the prison police will be determined by a commission that has already been formed," Zdravkov said.
Police units from the region are searching for the escaped detainee and have cordoned off areas around the court while investigators collect statements from the escorting officers and court staff. The officer who was pushed has been identified and is cooperating with the inquiry.
Authorities said a commission already formed at the prison will review possible failures by prison police during the transfer and escort. The investigation is continuing and police asked anyone with information to come forward.
Photo: press material from the event
