Skopje, 23 April 2025 (MIA) - The Skopje-based Criminal Court has sentenced Karposh Mayor Stevcho Jakimovski to three-and-a-half years in prison for illegal construction and abuse of office, whereas a former employee has received a two-year suspended sentence for abuse of office.

Jakimovski was found guilty of illegal construction of the municipal building, for which he received a one-year prison sentence, whereas the building is being confiscated by the Republic of North Macedonia. The Karposh Mayor was also sentenced to three years imprisonment for abuse of office. Since the court tried the two cases in parallel, it issued a single verdict of three-and-a-half years in prison, including time spent in house arrest.

Ex-Karposh municipality employee with initials T.Gj. was also tried for abuse of office in the same case and sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence.

Both defendants have the right to an appeal before the Appellate Court.

In 2024, the U.S. Department of State designated Mayor Jakimovski for involvement in corrupt acts, including using his official position to interfere with urban development and procurement processes to benefit himself and his associates.

MIA file photo