14 Sep 2023 | 04:42 PM UTC
North Macedonia: Activists to protest in central Skopje from 18:00 Sept. 18 over alleged government misappropriation scandal /update 1
Activists to protest in central Skopje, North Macedonia, from 18:00 Sept. 18. Heightened security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
Activists plan to protest in central Skopje Sept. 18 to denounce corruption in connection with an alleged scandal in which medicine from a state-run oncology clinic was reportedly misappropriated and sold on the black market. Participants will gather at the Government of the Republic of Macedonia (Vlada na Republika Makedonija) building at 18:00 before marching to the Public Prosecutor's Office (Osnovno Javno Obvinitelstvo, OJO). This is the third such protest following related events on Sept. 4 and 11; those previous two gatherings drew large crowds.
Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely along the march route; disruptions may continue even after the demonstration ends. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Avoid the protest as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near the march route. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that a security disturbance may occur.