Macedonian Police Shrug off Blame for Youth's Death

Police minister Gordana Jankuloska | Photo by: MVR

Peaceful protests over the June 5 death of 22-year-old Martin Neskovski after a police beating have continued in the capital for a second week in a row, demanding end to what they see as unchecked police brutality and the resignation of the police minister.

Eyewitnesses said Neskovski died after being beaten by police near Skopje’s central Macedonia Square during the celebrations by supporters of the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party, which had just declared victory in the general elections held that day.

The police, members of the special “Tigers” unit, allegedly started kicking the boy in the head after he tried to join the stage where the politicians were celebrating. He died on the spot.

What has additionally fueled the anger of protesters is the nearly two days silence by the police, after which they said they had identified the alleged killer as a 33-year-old policeman who had turned himself in.

“This is a tragic event that is not linked with politics and it should not be misused for political purposes,” the police said, in a statement.

Police have denied protesters' accusations that they tried to cover up the murder by remaining silent for almost two days. They said their reaction had been swift and guilt for the young man's death was a matter of individual responsibility and did not cast a reflection on the police as a whole.

On Wednesday, the protesters changed their usual route that has passed each day in front of the parliament and the government building, where they have lit candles and waved black flags in mourning for the youngster.

Instead they headed to the police headquarters, where they were met by riot police guarding the building. Protesters say they will continue the rallies in the coming days.