Macedonian journalists protest death threat against government critic
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Macedonian journalists protest death threat against government critic, 22 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba2815.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 22, 2015
Dozens of Macedonian journalists have demonstrated against a death threat raised against a journalist who is critical of the government.
The wife of journalist Borjan Jovanoski, who works for online Nova TV, received a funeral wreath for her husband at their home in the Macedonian capital, Skopje, on April 21 that said "Final Regards."
The journalists gathered in front of the main government building to also lay a wreath in a symbolic protest.
Jovanoski is a well-known critic of the government of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, whose ruling VMRO-DPMNE party is currently facing accusations of illegal surveillance and abuse of power.
Social Democrat opposition leader Zoran Zaev claims Gruevski ordered the wiretapping of more than 20,000 people, including journalists, politicians, and judges.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said the wreath threat is "yet another message that critical voices" in Macedonia are being silenced.
The European Union, which Macedonia hopes to join, has expressed "grave concern" about what it calls a deterioration in the rule of law, fundamental rights, and media freedom in Macedonia.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
