Skopje, 18 March 2025 (MIA) - The police chiefs in Kochani and Shtip have been dismissed in order to ensure a fully independent and efficient investigation and this decision does not prejudge any guilt, said Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski on Tuesday.

"In order to ensure a fully independent and efficient investigation, I decided to remove the police chiefs in Kochani and Shtip and replace them with police officers from Skopje. This decision does not prejudge any guilt but is a step that should guarantee a process free of pressure, doubt or influence," said Toshkovski.

He added it is key at this time that institutions demonstrate complete transparency and professionalism, including people without any personal or professional relations in the respective environment.

"Neither of the police chiefs were questioned, whereas the MoI Internal Control Department is conducting a thorough analysis of the facts related to the event, which findings will be made public in the coming days," said Toshkovski.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Interior told MIA that Minister Toshkovski has decided to dismiss the police chiefs, assistant chiefs and commanders in Shtip and Kochani.

MIA file photo