Skopje, 14 November 2023 (MIA) – The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) announced Tuesday its verdict in the case of the former Minister of Transport and Communications, Mile Janakieski, against North Macedonia. The case pertained to the imposed detention measures in the criminal proceedings related to the events of "April 27" and the "Spanish Steps." The court ruled that his rights under Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights had been violated.

“The case concerns two sets of criminal proceedings against Mr. Janakieski, the first for terrorist threat to constitutional order and security, and the second for abuse of office, during which he was deprived of liberty by decisions of the domestic courts. Relying on Article 5 (right to liberty and security) of the Convention, Mr. Janakieski complains of alleged unlawfulness and arbitrariness, lack of relevant and sufficient reasons and lack of speedy review of his deprivation of liberty,”  as outlined in the Strasbourg Court's statement.

The European Court of Human Rights establishes a violation of Article 5, paragraph 3, due to a lack of sufficient reasons for the deprivation of liberty and a violation of Article 5, paragraph 4, due to a lack of “speedy” review of the deprivation of liberty.

In accordance with the ruling, the state is obligated to compensate Janakieski with a total amount of EUR 6,100 euros, comprising EUR 3,900 for non-pecuniary damages and EUR 2,200 for costs and expenses.

Before the European Court of Human Rights, Mile Janakieski is being represented by attorney Vlatko Ilievski.

Photo: MIA archive/ ECHR print screen