Macedonian Minister of Justice Igor Filkov reacted sharply to the decision to place former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi under house arrest, emphasizing that specific responsibility for such a procedure must be determined. He requested that the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors urgently convene sessions and consider whether there is a basis for responsibility on the part of the judge and the public prosecutor.
Filkov pointed out that Grubi is suspected of embezzling over eight million euros, that he was on the run for 14 months and that he’s still a flight risk.
“The Ministry of Justice will not be a silent witness when trust in the legal system is shaken. This is not just a procedural decision, this is a test for the entire system. Responsibility must be clearly identified by name and surname,” said Filkov.
Minister Filkov announced that he would request that extraordinary supervision be carried out in the Skopje (Shutka) prison and in other prisons in the country. According to the justice minister, it is inadmissible to claim that the safety of a detainee cannot be guaranteed and that this be an argument for a more lenient measure.
“Institutional control must work. No one must be exempted from responsibility. This morning I also requested an explanation from the director of the Skopje prison, through the administration for the execution of sanctions, I was informed that during the day yesterday all conditions for the implementation of the measure of detention in the competent institution were provided. It is inadmissible to claim that the safety of a detainee cannot be guaranteed and that this be an argument for a more lenient measure. As Minister of Justice, I will additionally request that extraordinary supervision be carried out in the Skopje prison, as well as in other prisons throughout Macedonia, regarding the security situation. And let me state something that citizens have long felt. We pass laws in vain if they are not implemented. It is in vain that we change regulations if they apply selectively. It is in vain that we talk about reforms if the practice destroys trust. This is not a matter of politics, this is a matter of principle. I will never remain silent when the principle of equality before the law is called into question,” said Minister Filkov.
