North Macedonia: Activists to stage protest march from Park Chair to Basic Court, and Government Building in Skopje March 26

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate in central Skopje on March 26. Participants will gather at Park Chair around 1330 before marching to the Basic Courthouse, and the Government of North Macedonia. The purpose of the action is to condemn the prison sentences handed to several suspects convicted of killing five people near the North Macedonian capital in 2012. Activists claim that the sentence was politically motivated.

Authorities will likely deploy additional police resources along the march route and in front of the Basic Court and nearby government buildings as a precaution. Crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in the protest area. Clashes are likely between demonstrators and security personnel; clashes were reported at related demonstrations Jan. 29, and Feb. 26.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard security precaution. Allow additional time for travel in central Skopje during the afternoon of March 26. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation; do not stop to take photographs.