Tetovo, 16 August 2023 (MIA) - A group of citizens gathered before the Prosecutor’s Office and Basic Court in Tetovo on Wednesday, as a reaction to the court process for the tragedy that happened on September 8, 2021 when 14 people lost their lives in a modular hospital fire. The organizers of "Better for Tetovo" initiative demanded political responsibility because no one has received appropriate punishment for the tragedy in Tetovo, and other cases where citizens lost their lives.

"We had four tragedies in five years, 97 victims and zero days spent in prison. That is why trust in the judicial system in this country is at a zero. Citizens’ lives have become hostages to bargains and tenders without criteria. Corruption kills. This whole process proves that the Public Prosecutor's Office and Basic Court are a part of the criminal enterprise that holds the country hostage," Elmedina Abhullahi said.

Citizens demand Government accountability.

"We demand the Government immediately dismiss and hold accountable the State Public Prosecutor, Ljubomir Joveski, who along with other public prosecutors were involved in the monstrous act. We demand that the real culprits are tried and punished, including the politicians who approved the tender for construction of the "Brako" company. No justice, no peace," their demands read.

Citizens carried banners with different slogans, through which they demanded that there be proper justice.

"If the judiciary is not fixed, there will be no state in North Macedonia. We can go out to protest every day, but let this be the beginning for all of Macedonia to react. If it happened in Tetovo, it can happen elsewhere. No one cares what happens to the people. And the people employ those in charge. We appeal to everyone to sober up because this is just the beginning. This country need to get fixed or it will disappear, and those in charge will be responsible, not us," a protester said.

Those present at the protest left their banners with inscriptions before the court building. ssh/sk/

Photo: MIA