Shtip, 21 June 2023 (MIA) – The state of crisis in the Idrizovo penitentiary will last 30 days, until July 5, and it was introduced in accordance with the procedures, as a result of the need for sufficient human potential protecting and guarding the penitentiary, said Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska on Wednesday.

The Defense Minister said all procedures were followed when the state of crisis was declared. 

“The police and a few Army members supporting the officers, are engaged in order to deal with the situation, i.e., to avoid a possible escalation or disruption of the country’s security. As institutions and ministries, we all have an obligation to make use of all the mechanisms available to us to prevent certain conditions from worsening,” said Petrovska.

Petrovska added that the head of the Department for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions has informed her that they have initiated a procedure over the employment of guards, noting that the Army members will be engaged in securing the penitentiary for as long as it is necessary.

“We are not doing anything outside our authorities, and I think there is no need to cause any panic or use this situation for various political ends,” said Petrovska, adding that according to the reports, the engagement of Army members is showing results.

The Government declared a state of crisis in the Idrizovo penitentiary at the beginning of June, due to “the prevention of security threats”. As a result of the decision, Army members are engaged in securing the penitentiary.

President Stevo Pendarovski’s Office said the Army members would only support the officers and would not be in contact with the convicts at the penitentiary.

VMRO-DPMNE reacted to the decision, accusing of a precedent and asking who would bear the responsibility “if clashes between convicts and soldiers were to occur.”

Photo: MIA