The National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Ombudsman, during an inspection of the Demir Hisar Psychiatric Hospital in December 2025, found about 20 convicts for crimes who were not mentally ill, but were healthy and capable, but, as stated, through dubious and corrupt expert reports, they managed to avoid prison and be sent to medical treatment.
“The NPM also addressed the Chamber of Experts, requesting information regarding the application of ethical and professional standards in forensic psychiatric expert reports,” said Deputy Ombudsman Sonja Trifunovska at Sunday’s presentation of the NPM report, which communicates directly with the United Nations.
Trifunovska pointed out that for years, a “catastrophic situation” has been observed in several prison institutions, including Skopje, Kumanovo, Idrizovo, Struga and Ohrid, as well as in the Tetovo Correctional Institution and police stations where, as she said, people are held without basic conditions, and even without the means to provide food.
