A light sentence handed down to a man who killed a 22-year-old woman in a car accident has ignited widespread protests and calls for judicial reform in North Macedonia. The judge, Elvedin Ferati, is also accused of falsifying his university grades, further fueling public anger.
The public outcry follows other recent tragedies, including a deadly fire and the death of another young woman. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has demanded a review of the sentence and called for a "restart of the system," framing the issue as a fight for justice against corruption. The Justice Minister, Igor Filkov, while unable to comment directly on the ruling, acknowledged the low public trust in the judiciary.
The judge, Elvedin Ferati, is accused of altering his university grades to gain admission to the Academy for Judges and Prosecutors. The State Educational Inspectorate, prompted by an anti-corruption commission, uncovered these irregularities. While the prosecution will not investigate, the incident contributed to the public distrust in the court's decision.
Prime Minister Mickoski has strongly condemned the sentence and demanded a review. He called the ruling a "complete failure of the system" and vowed to pursue justice. His response mirrored his approach following the deadly fire in Kocani, framing the situation as a struggle between honest and dishonest actors.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and the need for comprehensive reforms within North Macedonia's judicial system.