Skopje, 21 May 2024 (MIA) — A pre-trial judge at the Skopje Criminal Court has ordered 30-day detention for Ljupcho Palevski, the prime suspect for the double murder of 14-year-old Vanja Gjorchevska and 74-year-old Panche Zhezhovski.

"The suspect for the double murder in Skopje and Veles from last November, Lj. P., who was extradited from the Republic of Turkey on May. 15, 2024," the Criminal Court said in a press release, "after testifying in the presence of his defense was ordered 30 days in detention."

The detention order was issued because he poses a flight risk and may influence witnesses or repeat the crime, the release said.

Palevski, who was escorted by the police with his head bent down, was asked by the media outside the courtroom if he had committed the murders and if he would defend himself by remaining silent. He said, "No."

He was brought before the Criminal Court judge Tuesday for the first time in a pre-trial procedure after his extradition from Turkey, where he fled and was arrested by the police. mr/