Skopje, 16 October 2024 (MIA) – The trial against five men charged with the murder of the teenager Vabja Gjorchevska and Panche Zhezhovski, a man in his 70s from Veles, resumes Wednesday at the Skopje Criminal Court.

Prosecutors are expected to present evidence at today’s hearing.

On Monday, Vanja’s mother Zorica Gjorchevska and Zhezhovski’s daughter and son-in-law gave testimony before the court. 

During the previous hearing, the defendants Ljupcho Palevski, Bore Videvski, Velibor Manev and Vlatko Keshishov as well as Vanja’s father, Aleksandar Gjorchevski, declared that they do not feel guilty and that their defense will present additional evidence.

The indictment states that they had planned the kidnapping of the 14-year-old girl to compel a member of her immediate family to provide a ransom.

The Criminal Court approved the indictments and, at the request of the Prosecution, decided to merge the trials of all defendants, including Palevski, Bore Videvski, Velibor Manev and Vlatko Keshishov, as well as Vanja's father Aleksandar Gjorchevski.

Another person, indicted for aiding and abetting, will be tried in separate proceedings.

Vanja Gjorchevska and Panche Zhezhovski, who were reported missing in late November, were found dead near Skopje and Veles on December 3, 2023.

MIA file photo