Skopje, 14 April 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski said Monday over 50 suspects are currently under probe in the Kochani tragedy case, noting that the investigation is still ongoing and prosecutors have shown that things could indeed be done differently in Macedonia.  

Toshkovski stressed that the Ministry of Interior has taken action against everyone for whom evidence has been gathered, and any evidence of anyone found to be causally connected to the criminal event in question from the aspect of elements of a specific crime will be appropriately handled.

According to him, the Ministry of Interior has neither been spared from the investigation, which covers the period from 2012 to the present.

"We are currently in the investigation phase. The investigation is being led by the Chief Prosecutor. We had a detailed briefing yesterday in terms of facts and circumstances that could be shared with the public. The investigation is not completed. We cannot turn the Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Interior into a "kangaroo court" just because some political ill-wishers want to use the anger of the Macedonian people, which they themselves have provoked, further in the direction of stealing, manipulating and gaining political points. I will never allow that as a minister. I work in the interest of the citizens, and so far I see dedication in the work of the public prosecutors, I see how 11 prosecutors are focused on completely clearing up this case, together with the investigative teams of the Ministry of Interior, something that has been unthinkable in the past," Toshkovski said in response to reporters' questions after Monday's event on the Customs Administration Day.

He added that SDSM, DUI and Levica are trying to manipulate the public with the accusations they are spreading.

Toshkovski agrees that there have been failures to act within the Ministry of Interior in terms of the past year, regarding which, he noted, responsibility has been established and therefore, as of yesterday, criminal charges have been filed against seven police officers.

"Perhaps in the coming period there will be other police officers who will be the subject of investigation," said the Minister.

Photo/video: MIA