Skopje, 13 January 2025 (MIA) – Justice Minister Igor Filkov said that the Ministry of Justice will soon present a brief legal solution for the amendments to the existing Criminal Code, which, as he noted, aims to eliminate harmful consequences of the 2023 amendments to the Criminal Code.

“Definition of the criminal act ‘abuse of official position and authority’ is essential for the functioning of the judiciary system as well as for the fight against corruption and the abuse of public office. I agree that the current definition may pose issues in its implementation, particularly in terms of its broad applicability and the risk of misuse in the context of politically motivated cases,” Filkov said in an interview with Plusinfo.

According to him, what is crucial is to ensure a clear and precise definition that not only explains the abuse of official position but also minimizes the risk of its misuse for political or other unjustified purposes. That is why, he noted, it is important to distinguish between genuine criminal acts and provisions that are used to exert unjustly pressure on individuals.

“As a solution to this issue, the Ministry of Justice is preparing a brief legal amendment to the Criminal Code to eliminate the harmful consequences of the legal changes to the Criminal Code introduced in 2023. The aim is to enhance the provisions defining criminal offenses and tighten penal policies by increasing the existing penalties for the offense of 'Abuse of Official Position and Authority.' There are also plans to expand the scope of offenses related to extended confiscation and to introduce new criminal offenses stemming from modern society and technology. A fully developed legal solution will soon be presented to the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia,” Filkov said.

In regard to the new Criminal Code, Filkov expects it to be adopted in 2025.

“Our goal is to have an efficient and modern Criminal Code that responds to the needs of society and the judiciary system. I expect that the new Criminal Code will be adopted in 2025. It has been translated into English, and the preparation of the correspondence tables, a requirement from the bilateral screening for Chapter 23, is nearing completion. The new Criminal Code is expected to align with European policies in the fight against organized crime and corruption. Our entire legal framework will be fully harmonized with applicable directives and international conventions, which requires securing a positive opinion from the European Commission,” he underlined.

As for the changes that can be expected in the Criminal Code, Filkov said that these will be amendments aimed at modernizing and improving the existing procedures, as well as clarifying and more thoroughly regulating certain criminal offenses.

“One of the main issues is the strengthening of sanctions for serious crimes, particularly economic crime and corruption, in line with efforts to combat corruption and organized crime. In addition, new criminal offenses are being added, particularly those related to financial crimes, including the practice of asset confiscation for assets acquired through criminal acts, which will contribute to a more effective fight against corruption and organized crime,” he added.

In the interview, Filkov also referred to the US blacklist, reforms in Judicial Council, prisons, the need of new Law on Pardoning, and the fight against corruption.

Photo: Ministry of Justice